If your child is talking about suicide, says they want to die, or you are worried they may be in crisis, start here. Get clear next steps, safety-focused guidance, and help deciding what to do immediately.
Start with your child’s current level of danger so we can guide you toward the safest next steps, including emergency action, crisis support, and ways to keep your child safe right now.
If your child says they want to die, talks about suicide, threatens self-harm, or seems unable to stay safe, treat it seriously. Parents often search for what to do if their child is suicidal because they need immediate, practical direction. This page is designed to help you respond quickly, reduce risk, and understand when to call 911, go to the ER, contact 988, or stay with your child while getting urgent support.
Do not leave your child alone if you believe there is any immediate risk. Stay calm, stay present, and move with them to a safer space where you can monitor them closely.
Remove or secure medications, sharp objects, ropes, cords, firearms, and other items that could be used for self-harm. If there is a firearm in the home, store it unloaded and locked away from your child, with ammunition locked separately, or move it out of the home immediately if possible.
If there is immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you need crisis support right now, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If your child has taken action to harm themselves, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Risk is higher if your child talks about a specific method, has access to pills, weapons, or other dangerous items, or has been gathering means.
If your child says they may act on suicidal thoughts, refuses help, tries to run away, or you do not believe they can be safely supervised, treat it as urgent.
A recent suicide attempt, self-harm episode, severe agitation, intoxication, panic, or sudden hopelessness can signal a crisis that needs immediate professional support.
Use direct, calm language. You can say: “I’m really glad you told me.” “I’m here with you.” “Your safety matters more than anything right now.” “I’m going to help you get support.” Avoid arguing, minimizing, or promising secrecy. Asking clearly about suicidal thoughts does not put the idea in a child’s head. It can help you understand the level of danger and get the right help faster.
The assessment helps you sort immediate danger from serious concern so you can take the safest next step without guessing.
Based on what you share, you will get guidance tailored to a child who may be in a suicide crisis, including when to seek emergency care.
If you are thinking, “My child says they want to die, what do I do?” this process helps organize the situation and point you toward urgent support options.
Take it seriously and stay with your child. Ask calm, direct questions about whether they are thinking about suicide right now and whether they have a plan or access to means. Remove dangerous items, do not leave them alone if risk seems immediate, and contact 988, 911, or the nearest emergency room depending on the level of danger.
Call 911 or go to the ER if your child is in immediate danger, has made an attempt, is actively trying to harm themselves, has a weapon, or cannot be kept safe. Call or text 988 if your child is in crisis and you need immediate suicide support, coaching, and help deciding next steps, but there is not a life-threatening emergency requiring emergency responders at that moment.
If you believe there is any immediate risk, do not leave your child alone. Stay with them while you call 988, contact emergency services, or arrange transport to urgent care or the ER. If you need another adult to help, ask them to come to you rather than leaving your child unsupervised.
It is still important to act. Many parents feel unsure, especially if their child is angry, withdrawn, or says they did not mean it. If a child is talking about suicide, saying they want to die, or showing major warning signs, use caution, increase supervision, reduce access to dangerous items, and get immediate guidance.
Stay close, reduce access to medications, firearms, sharp objects, cords, and other hazards, and avoid leaving your child alone. Keep communication calm and direct. If you cannot maintain safety at home, seek emergency help right away.
Answer a few questions to understand the level of risk, what emergency steps to take, and how to get immediate help for a suicidal child.
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