Suicide Prevention Guide for Parents and Caregivers

Last updated: January 14, 2025

Youth suicide is a complex, tragic, and sadly prevalent issue throughout Canada. Mental health and wellness promotion is a critical part of suicide prevention. When young people have strategies for staying mentally well and knowing when and how to ask for help if needed, the risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviours is reduced.

Parents and caregivers can be a protective force for their children by increasing factors that support good mental health and reducing those that negatively impact mental health. 

This guide is designed to help by answering some frequently asked questions so you can prepare, prevent, and respond if your child is experiencing thoughts of suicide.

PREPARE:  

As a parent/caregiver of a school-aged child, what are some facts I should know about suicide?  

• Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth and young adults. 
• About 10% of youth have seriously contemplated suicide, and 3% have attempted suicide. 
• Suicide is most often associated with mental health problems but there are many complex contributing factors. 
• Rates of suicide are higher for: 
  • boys
  • survivors of suicide loss 
  • survivors of a suicide attempt 
  • youth from some First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities. 

• Thoughts of suicide and suicidal behaviour is more common among: 
  • 2S/LGBTQIA+ youth than their non-2S/LGBTQIA+ peers.  
  • Recent data suggests increasing rates among Black young people. 
  • Experiences of racial trauma, homophobia, and transphobia, and bullying are risk factors. 

• Protective factors include: 
  • culture 
  • community 
  • family acceptance

What causes young people to think about suicide? 

Children and youth may experience suicidal thoughts when they feel overwhelmed, helpless, disconnected from others, or hopeless about the future.

It can also be related to stresses connected to: 

• relationships (conflict, loss of a significant other, bullying, divorce) 
• school (pressure to achieve, learning struggles, feeling they don’t belong) 
• oppression, discrimination and feeling unsafe or unsupported due to racism, homophobia, transphobia, Islamophobia, ableism, poverty, abuse, etc. 
• mental health concerns like depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, problematic substance use, etc.

PREVENT:  

Can talking about suicide with my child put them at greater risk? 

There is no evidence that suggests that asking directly about suicide puts thoughts of self-harm into your child’s head. Instead, discussing suicide shows that you care about your child, are there for them, and will help them during difficult times. 

What are some warning signs of suicide? 

Warning signs can be difficult to see unless you know what to watch for. They include: 

• withdrawing from family and friends 
• hopelessness about the future ‘ 
• talking or writing about suicide or wanting to die 
• conveying that they feel overwhelmed, helpless, or out of control 
• good-bye gestures like giving away important belongings 
• changes in behaviour (decline in school performance, acting out, risk-taking, etc.)  
• problematic substance use 
• ignoring personal hygiene 
• low mood: depression (sadness, irritability, less enjoyment of previously enjoyed activities, difficulty sleeping or eating) 

What should I do if I think my child is having thoughts of suicide? 

Raising the topic with your child makes it easier for them to confide in you. Here are some ways to approach this difficult conversation: 

• Start the conversation by asking: 
• How are you feeling?  
• Tell them what you observe: “I’ve noticed you’re spending a lot of time in your room, and you seem sad. Are you okay?” 
• Listen: Give your child time to respond to your first question.  
• Ask: Be direct. Ask your child if they ever have thoughts of harming themselves. If your child says yes, encourage them to tell you more. If they say “no”, trust your instincts and follow up if needed. 
• Respond: If your child says ‘yes’, stay calm. Reassure them you will help them through this. Invite them to tell you more about the suicidal thoughts they’ve been experiencing. 

RESPOND: 

How can I help my child if they tell me they are having thoughts of suicide? 

• Reassure your child. Tell them you love them and will get through this together.  
• Get professional help. If your child is having thoughts of suicide, they need ongoing care from a trained mental health professional. 
• Listen when your child tells you how they are feeling. Thank them for sharing with you and validate their emotions.  
• Ask your child how they want to be supported.  
• Whenever they leave the house for school etc., talk about the next reunion. 
• Help your child break down a problem into smaller parts to make it more manageable.  
• Remind them they have overcome other challenges. Offer hope and encouragement. 

How can I help my child stay safe at home? 

• When your child has thoughts of suicide, it’s important to make your home a safer place. 
• Remove firearms and weapons from the home or secure them in a locked cabinet with keys outside the home or hidden.  
• Remove ropes, cords, sharp knives, blades or other means of self-harm.  
• Hide car keys  
• Lock up all medications, including Tylenol and Advil. If your child takes prescription medication, monitor it closely.  
• Remove all alcohol. Alcohol can impair judgment and increase risk behaviour. 
• Ensure your child has developed a safety plan with their mental health care provider. The “Be Safe” app allows users to create a digital safety plan.  
• Stay aware of ‘triggers’ and high-risk periods. Check in often during these times. Do not leave your child alone for long periods. If you must go out, take them with you or have someone stay with them. 

When urgent help is needed: 

If your child has a suicide plan and intends to act on it right away, this is a mental health emergency.  

• Don’t leave your child alone. Ensure someone is always with them, whether you or a close friend or family member.   
• Immediately contact the Suicide Crisis Helpline (9-8-8), go to the emergency room of your local hospital, or call for an ambulance. 

If you discover your child after a suicide attempt: 

• Call 911 right away. 
• Give first aid if you can. Follow the guidance of the 911 operator. 
• Contact someone to go to the hospital or stay with you at home. 
• Talk to your child, reassure them, and let them know you are there with them. 
• Once you’ve secured professional help for your child, contact a close family member or friend to support you during this crisis. 
• To access free mental health support in your area, contact Children’s Mental Health Ontario. 

How can I support my child following a death by suicide? 

Unfortunately, your child may experience the death of a friend, classmate, or relative by suicide. It’s important to discuss what happened and ensure your child is okay. These practical tips can help: 

• Ask about the impact of the death on them. Find out what they know and provide them with the facts. 
• Listen and validate how they feel. Assure them it’s normal to have many different feelings. 
• Tell your child their well-being is at the top of your mind. Ask if they are having suicidal thoughts.  
• “Walk alongside” your child as they grieve.  
• If your child needs more help processing what has happened, find out who their ‘go-to’ sources of support are at school and in the community, including trusted adults they can talk to in your absence. 
• Inform them about community supports such as Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868 or text “CONNECT” to 686868) or One-Stop Talk (1-855-416-8255) 
• Discuss self-care and coping. Model your own self- care strategies. 
• Assure your child you are always there for them if they want to talk. 

How can I work together with my child’s school to keep my child mentally well? 

Your child’s school is a partner in supporting student mental health. If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health or if they are having suicidal thoughts, speak to their teacher(s) to ensure coordinated support. 

Note: Please see the pdf version for further descriptions and information.