You’re picking up on signs that your child isn’t okay. You’re not sure if they’ve just had a bad day, are feeling under the weather, or have a larger issue at hand. As a parent, you want what’s best for your child, no matter what. Growing up is challenging. Some days are great, and others could be better. But lately, it feels like you have a completely different person standing before you. This is how to tell if your child is suicidal and what to do about it.
Watch Out for the Warning Signs
There are several warning signs to watch out for if you’re worried that your child is suicidal. These are some of the most common signs to look out for:
Giving Away Personal Belongings
If you notice that your child is giving away their personal belongings, it may be a sign that they’re thinking about suicide. It’s important to know the difference between sharing and giving something away. For example, they may let a sibling, or a friend borrow something like an outfit or a book. If they’re giving away items that mean a lot to them or relate to their personal hobbies, it may be a sign that there’s a larger issue at hand. Giving away items that used to make them happy or are in line with a hobby they enjoy could indicate that they may be withdrawing from the things that used to make them happy.
Changes in Sleep Schedule
Depression can have a huge impact on someone’s sleep. It can cause some individuals to sleep too much, and others may not be able to sleep at all. If you notice your child is having a harder time than normal going to bed or waking up in the morning, depression could be the culprit. Depression and anxiety can work hand in hand to cause changes in someone’s sleep schedule. Late-night thoughts may make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep during the night. Waking up in the morning may become increasingly difficult if signs of depression are left untreated.
Over or Under Eating
Depression can also impact someone’s eating habits. Similar to sleep, it can cause some individuals to over-eat while others may under-eat. An individual may feel so down that they may convince themselves they don’t deserve to eat. Others may use food as a coping mechanism or a way to fill the void they’re feeling inside themselves. If you notice that your child’s eating habits have changed recently, you should watch out for other signs of depression.
Withdrawing or Isolating
Withdrawing and isolating oneself, even from activities one once enjoyed, is a significant sign of depression. If your child was once really involved in school or extracurricular activities and now comes home and sits alone in their room, depression may be the reason for the sudden change. Your child may even start removing themselves from family gatherings or meeting up with friends.
Other Signs
These are just a few of the signs of depression to watch out for. Other signs and symptoms include the following:
– Changes in grades
– Hopelessness or worthlessness
– Mood swings
– Reckless behavior
– Substance use or abuse
– Talking about suicide
How to Help
One of the best ways you can help your child if they’re struggling with depression and suicidal ideation is by seeking professional support. A licensed and trained mental health professional can work with your child one-on-one and help them get through the negative thoughts and emotions they’re experiencing.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to help your child or if you’re interested in setting up a consultation, reach out to us today.
