Your child needs to know they are supported, loved, and valued. By paying attention to how they’re feeling, listening without judgment, and showing love through your actions, you are providing the foundation for their healing.
How to Be There for Your Child After a Suicide Attempt
Be Calm and Present
Approach the conversation with empathy and calmness. Let your child know you're there to listen without judgment.
Listen Without Interrupting
Give your child space to share their thoughts and feelings at their own pace, showing you are fully present and supportive.
Acknowledge Their Pain
Recognize your child’s pain and validate their feelings, even if you don’t fully understand. Phrases like "I’m here for you" can help.
Encourage Open Communication
Reassure your child that they can always talk to you, and keep the lines of communication open, even if it’s hard at first.
Avoid Blame or Guilt
Focus on healing and avoid blaming yourself or your child. It’s crucial they feel supported and not at fault.
What to Do Next
Prioritize Immediate Safety
Remove Potential Hazards: Secure medications, sharp objects, and anything else that could be used for self-harm. If there are firearms in the home, they should always be stored unloaded, locked, and separate from ammunition. Safe storage helps prevent accidents and reduces the risk of impulsive actions in times of crisis.
Create a Safe Space: Encourage open communication, letting your child know they can share their thoughts without fear of judgment.
Create a safety plan: It can help guide the conversation with loved ones as well as for yourself if you find yourself in a crisis. A plan for what to do before a crisis occurs is an important step in suicide prevention.
Establish a Supportive Environment
Be Present: Your time and attention are invaluable. Use the framework: Look. Listen. Love.
Look for signs your child might need extra support.
Listen to their feelings and validate their emotions.
Love them unconditionally by showing patience and understanding.
Model Calmness: Your emotional state can influence theirs. Practice self-care to stay grounded.
Follow Up on Care Plans
Start or Continue Therapy or Counseling: Ensure your child attends follow-up appointments with their behavioral health professional. If you need assistance finding a mental health provider, access the Mental Health Directory.
Collaborate With Professionals: Stay connected to your child’s care team, including their primary physician or school staff. If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to your local Human Service Center for support.
Encourage Connection
Foster Healthy Relationships: Help your child build a circle of supportive friends and family members.
Engage in Activities: Encourage activities that your child enjoys and finds meaningful.
Watch for Warning Signs
- Changes in behavior, mood, or sleep patterns.
- Withdrawal from friends and family.
- Talk about feeling hopeless or burdensome.
If you notice any of these, contact a mental health professional immediately.
Take Care of Yourself
Seek Support: Joining a support group for parents can help you process your emotions and feel less alone.
Self Care: Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Take moments to recharge so you can continue to provide care.
Keep the Conversation Going
Talk openly about mental health. By normalizing these discussions, you reduce stigma and show your child it’s okay to seek help. There are steps you can take to help support your child and family.
Remember, recovery is a journey, not a straight path. Your presence, love, and persistence can make all the difference. You’ve got this—and help is always available.
Getting Additional Help
Resources for Parents provided by Zero Suicide - Includes the Parents to Parents video and tools for navigating the aftermath of a child’s suicide attempt.
After an attempt | AFSP - This website offers a fresh perspective on life’s challenges and reminds people that support is available—and they’re not alone.