Having suicidal thoughts can be scary. You may be overwhelmed or feel like these thoughts may never go away, but no matter how you’re feeling, you’re not alone. You have people in your life who care about you and want you to get the help you need.

You may feel like nothing you do can help how you feel, but your suicidal thoughts will not last forever. The most important thing you can do is keep yourself safe so you can get the help you need. 

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or actions, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate support.

What to do if you have suicidal thoughts

It can be scary or overwhelming to talk to your parents or loved ones and ask for help if you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, so here are a few ways to make it easier:

• Talk to a loved one — Your parents would want to know if you’re dealing with suicidal thoughts. It can be scary to approach your parents, and you may worry about upsetting or worrying them. But it’s important to get help from people you trust. It could be something as straightforward as saying, “I’m thinking about hurting myself, and I don’t know what to do. Can you help me?” Asking for help is a big step, but it’s a crucial one.

• Send a text — Talking to your parents face-to-face might feel too scary or confrontational. A text can help you ease into the conversation. Consider something like:

• “I feel really alone and am having thoughts about suicide. Can we text so I feel more comfortable sharing?”
• “I’m hurting and feel very alone. I’m worried I might harm myself. Can you help me figure out what to do?”

These texts can open a conversation between you and your parents about your suicidal thoughts if you feel apprehensive about talking to them in person. Approach your parents however it is easiest for you to do.

• Contact a helpline — If your parents aren’t available or if you don’t feel comfortable contacting them, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate support. This hotline provides free support 24/7 for people who are in crisis, and they can also help you find local resources to support you long-term.

• Go to a safe place — Going to a place where you feel safe can help you get past those suicidal thoughts. A trusted friend or family member’s house, a library, a church or spiritual center, or a mental health facility are good places to go if you’re worried about being alone, and it can also help you stay away from things you could use to harm yourself.

• Get professional help — Once you’ve dealt with your immediate suicidal thoughts, it’s time to seek out a mental health professional. They can help you deal with those thoughts and treat any underlying mental health conditions. Therapy or other treatment options may help you decrease suicidal thoughts and learn how to handle these thoughts when they do occur.

Experiencing suicidal thoughts may make you want to withdraw and isolate yourself, but it’s important to reach out for help. 

Warning signs you may be suicidal

If you’re wondering whether the way you’re feeling is something to be concerned about, here are a few symptoms to be aware of: 

• Talking about suicide and making statements such as, “I’m going to kill myself,” “I wish I were dead,” or “I wish I hadn’t been born”
• Getting the means to take your own life, such as buying a gun or stockpiling pills
• Withdrawing from other people and wanting to be left alone
• Having mood swings: being emotionally high one day and deeply discouraged the next
• Being preoccupied with death, dying or violence
• Feeling trapped or hopeless about your situation
• Changing your normal routine, which can include eating or sleeping patterns
• Doing risky or self-destructive things such as using drugs or driving recklessly
• Increasing your use of alcohol or drugs
• Giving away belongings or getting your affairs in order for no clear reason
• Saying goodbye to people as if you won’t see them again
• Experiencing personality changes or being severely anxious or agitated, particularly when experiencing some of the warning signs listed above

Having one or two of these doesn’t necessarily mean you’re suicidal, but they can be an indication that you need professional help.
If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, our team at Embrace U is here to help. Our mental health treatment center is equipped to help adolescents and teenagers who are struggling with suicidal thoughts by offering mental health treatment beyond their regular therapy sessions. Don’t give up hope; contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.