Suicide Prevention -- Questions & Answers

Q: What are some signs that a child or teenager might be thinking of suicide?

A: Ask yourself the following questions:

• Is he/she giving away some of his/her most prized possessions?
• Is he/she writing notes or poems about death?
• Does he/she talk about suicide, even jokingly? Has he/she said things such as “That’s the last straw,” “I can’t take it anymore,” or “Nobody cares about me?”
• Has he/she tried to commit suicide before? (Or had a series of unexplained “accidents?”)
• Is he/she having trouble with a girlfriend/boyfriend? Or is he/she having trouble getting along with other friends or with parents? Has he/she withdrawn from people he/she used to feel close to?
• Is he/she acting like a rebel in an unexplained and severe way?
• Is she pregnant and finding it hard to cope?
• Have his/her eating or sleeping habits changed?

Q: What can I do if I suspect the child or teenager is considering suicide?

A: Do not remain silent.

• Ask your teenager about it. Don’t be afraid to say the word “suicide.” Getting the word out in the open may help your teenager think someone has heard his/her cries for help.
• Reassure him/her that you love him/her. Remind him/her that no matter how awful his/her problems seem, they can be worked out, and you are willing to help.
• Ask him/her to talk about his/her feelings. Listen carefully. Do not dismiss his/her problems or get angry at him/her.
• Remove all lethal weapons from your home, including guns, pills, knives, sharp kitchen utensils, and ropes.
• Seek professional help. Local resources are listed below, or ask your family doctor for suggestions.

Remember...

• Few die by suicide without first letting someone else know how they feel.
• People who have attempted suicide are very likely to try again.
• Many depressed people have already considered suicide as an option.
• Discussing it openly helps the suicidal person sort through the problems and generally provides a sense of relief and understanding. It is one of the most helpful things you can do.
• Depression in children and adolescents is a treatable illness.

Q: Where do I get help in Houston for someone I suspect is suicidal?

A: In an emergency, call 911 or Harris County Psychiatric Center at 713.741.5000. Other helpful numbers for immediate local support:

• National Suicide Prevention Hotline (Spanish available).....................1-800-SUICIDE / 800-784-2433
• Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD.......713-970-7000
• Neuropsychiatric Center............................713-970-7070 or 713-970-4600

These nonprofit organizations offer counseling and psychotherapy:

• DePelchin Children’s Center..........................................713.730.2335
• Family Houston....................................................713.861.4849    (multiple locations, services in Spanish)
• Jewish Family Service...................................................713.667.9336 (open to all)
• Mental Health America offers a more extensive list, and a list of self-help groups: mhmraharris.org 

Other helpful websites:

• apa.org..........American Psychological Association
• afsp.org.........American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• nimh.nih.gov.............National Institute of Mental Health
• sprc.org.................Suicide Prevention Resource Center (Dept. of Health and Human Services)