If your child or teen has threatened suicide and you are unsure whether this is an emergency, this page can help you recognize immediate danger, know when to call 911, and take the next safest step.
Start with the question below to assess immediate danger and get clear, topic-specific guidance for a suicidal threat at home.
Call 911 right away if your child or teen is in immediate danger. That includes having a suicide plan they are about to act on, access to a weapon, pills, or another lethal method, active self-harm, loss of consciousness, severe injury, intoxication with dangerous behavior, or if they cannot or will not stay safe. If they have left during a crisis and you believe they may attempt suicide, emergency services may also be needed. If there is any urgent risk to life or serious injury, treat it as an emergency.
If your child says how they will attempt suicide and has access to the method, such as medication, a firearm, sharp objects, or a ligature, call 911 immediately.
If they have started self-harming, taken pills, used a weapon, tried to leave to attempt suicide, or are refusing help while in clear danger, this is an emergency.
If supervision is not enough, they are escalating quickly, or you are alone and unable to control the situation safely, emergency help is appropriate.
Keep your child within sight, use a calm voice, and avoid leaving them alone. If your safety is at risk, move to a safer place and stay on the line with 911.
Move medications, firearms, knives, cords, and other dangerous items away if you can do it safely. Do not struggle physically unless necessary for immediate safety.
Tell 911 what was said or done, whether there is a suicide plan, what means are available, any substances used, mental health history, and whether anyone else is at risk.
If there is no immediate danger but the threat is serious, urgent crisis support can help you decide next steps and how to keep your child safe.
Any suicide threat should be taken seriously. Even if you are unsure, it is appropriate to seek immediate professional guidance.
Answer a few questions to understand whether this sounds like an emergency, what warning signs matter most, and what actions to take next.
If there is any immediate danger, a suicide plan, access to lethal means, active self-harm, severe intoxication, or you cannot keep them safe, call 911. If none of those are present, the threat still needs urgent attention and further assessment.
A suicide threat is an emergency when there is imminent risk of action, a specific plan, access to a method, escalating behavior, serious injury, overdose, or the child cannot agree or is unable to stay safe.
Yes, if your child is actively harming themselves, has used or is about to use a dangerous method, has taken an overdose, is unconscious, or the situation is beyond what you can safely manage at home.
If you are unsure and there may be immediate danger, it is safer to call 911. If the danger is not immediate, use crisis support and complete an assessment for personalized guidance on the next step.
Answer a few questions to understand whether this sounds like an emergency, what warning signs need urgent action, and how to respond if your child or teen may be at risk right now.
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