If your child may be self-harming, has said they want to die, or recently disclosed suicidal thoughts, you do not have to figure this out alone. Get clear next steps, guidance on how to talk with your child, and help deciding what kind of support to seek right now.
Start with what is worrying you most right now, and we’ll help you understand possible warning signs, how to respond calmly, and when to seek urgent or ongoing behavioral health support.
Concerns about self-harm and suicidality can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to stay calm and protect your child at the same time. Parents often search for help after noticing cuts, changes in mood, withdrawal, hopeless statements, or hearing a teenager say they do not want to be here. This page is designed to help you respond thoughtfully, understand what may need immediate attention, and take the next step with confidence.
Learn how to think about signs your child may be self-harming or showing suicide risk, including behavior changes, secrecy, hopelessness, and direct or indirect statements about death.
Get guidance on how to talk to your child about self-harm in a way that is calm, direct, and supportive without increasing shame or shutting down communication.
Understand when home support may not be enough, how to get help for a self-harming child, and when urgent evaluation is the safest option.
Whether your concern is self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or both, the guidance is tailored to the situation you describe rather than offering one-size-fits-all advice.
If you are wondering what to do if your child is suicidal or how to help after a self-harm disclosure, the assessment helps organize the most important next actions.
You will get personalized guidance that helps you respond with care, reduce panic, and move toward appropriate behavioral health support.
If your child has a current plan to end their life, has taken steps to harm themselves, cannot stay safe, or is in immediate danger, seek emergency help right away by calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency room. In the U.S., you can also call or text 988 for immediate suicide and crisis support. If the situation is not clearly emergent but feels serious, the assessment can help you think through what level of support may be needed next.
Understand how to respond after discovering self-harm, what helps in the moment, and how to avoid reactions that may unintentionally increase distress.
Learn how to take statements seriously, ask direct safety questions, and decide when immediate crisis support is needed.
If your child has recently opened up, get support for parents after self-harm disclosure so you can keep the conversation going and connect them with care.
Take it seriously every time. Stay with your child, speak calmly, and ask direct questions about whether they are thinking about suicide right now, whether they have a plan, and whether they have access to means. If there is immediate danger or you are unsure they can stay safe, call 911, go to the nearest emergency room, or contact 988 right away.
Start with calm, nonjudgmental concern. Focus on safety, emotional support, and understanding what led up to the behavior rather than punishment or lectures. Let your child know you want to help, ask what they were feeling before it happened, and seek professional behavioral health support to address the underlying distress.
Possible signs include unexplained cuts or burns, wearing long sleeves in warm weather, hiding sharp objects, blood on clothing, increased isolation, intense shame, irritability, or sudden emotional shifts. No single sign confirms self-harm, but patterns of secrecy and distress deserve attention.
Choose a private moment, stay direct, and avoid panic or blame. You can say, “I’ve noticed you seem overwhelmed, and I’m worried about you. Have you been hurting yourself or thinking about dying?” Asking clearly does not put the idea in a child’s head; it helps open a safer conversation.
Professional help is important whenever self-harm is present, even if your child says they are not suicidal. Seek urgent help sooner if the injuries are severe, the behavior is escalating, your child talks about wanting to die, or you are concerned they may not be able to stay safe.
Answer a few questions about your child’s current situation to get clear, supportive guidance on self-harm concerns, suicide risk, and the next steps that may help keep your child safe.
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