If you're wondering whether to call 988 for suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or a child saying they want to die, this page can help you decide what to do next. Get clear, parent-focused guidance on when 988 is appropriate and when emergency help is needed right away.
Start with how urgent the situation feels, and we’ll help you think through the level of risk, what signs matter most, and the safest next step for your child or teen.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is for mental health and suicide-related crises, including when a child or teen is talking about wanting to die, showing suicidal thoughts, or struggling with self-harm and emotional distress. Parents can call 988 when they need immediate crisis support, help assessing risk, or guidance on what to say and do next. If there is a weapon, a suicide attempt, a serious injury, or immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room instead.
Call 988 if your child or teen says they want to die, talks about killing themselves, or expresses hopelessness in a way that feels serious or escalating.
If you are unsure when to call 988 for self-harm, a good rule is to reach out when the behavior is increasing, feels out of control, or comes with suicidal thoughts, panic, or intense emotional distress.
Parents do not need to be certain before calling. If you are asking yourself whether you should call 988 for your teen, that uncertainty alone can be a reason to get crisis guidance.
988 can help parents sort through warning signs, urgency, and whether the situation can be managed with support at home or needs a higher level of care.
If your child is in a suicidal crisis, highly distressed, or unable to calm down safely, 988 can provide immediate support and help reduce risk in the moment.
Parents often call because they are afraid of saying the wrong thing. 988 counselors can help you respond calmly, ask direct safety questions, and stay focused on protection rather than panic.
Call 911 or seek emergency medical care now if your child has taken steps toward suicide, has a weapon or access to lethal means they may use right away, cannot be kept safe, has severe injuries from self-harm, or is unconscious, intoxicated, or medically unstable. 988 is for crisis support, but immediate physical danger requires emergency response.
Do not leave them alone if you believe there is a real chance they may act on suicidal thoughts or seriously harm themselves.
Move medications, sharp objects, cords, ropes, and firearms out of reach and secure them as quickly as possible while you seek support.
Say what you are noticing and ask clearly about safety. A steady, nonjudgmental approach can help your child feel less alone and give you better information.
Yes. 988 is for suicide-related and mental health crises, including when a child or teen has suicidal thoughts, says they want to die, is in severe emotional distress, or is engaging in self-harm and you need crisis guidance.
Yes. You do not need proof or certainty to call. If your teen is talking about death, suicide, or self-harm and you are unsure how serious it is, 988 can help you assess the situation and decide the safest next step.
Call 988 when your child is in a mental health or suicidal crisis and you need immediate support, risk guidance, or help de-escalating. Call 911 or go to the ER if there is immediate danger, a suicide attempt, a weapon involved, severe injury, or you cannot keep your child safe.
Yes, that can still be a reason to call. Children and teens may minimize what they said, become embarrassed, or shut down. If the statement worried you, it is appropriate to get crisis support and guidance.
Call 988 when self-harm is escalating, happening alongside suicidal thoughts, or leaving you unsure whether your child is safe. If there is severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, or another medical emergency, seek emergency medical care right away.
Answer a few questions to receive personalized guidance on whether 988 is the right next step, what level of urgency to treat this with, and how to support your child or teen safely right now.
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