Teenagers today are going through those similar emotions, and it can leave them feeling out of control. It’s as if they’re on a roller coaster of “ups” when they’re happy and “downs” during frustrating or unhappy periods. It’s important to realize that these varying emotions or moods are totally normal, and that everyone experiences them. But it’s also key to remember that not everyone experiences moods and changes
writing or talking about suicide (i.e. "I want to die", "I hate myself", "There is no point to living") preoccupation with death and dying giving away meaningful belongings loss of interest in friends, school or activities previously enjoyed decreased work or academic performance increased and unnecessary risk taking heavy use of alcohol or drugs neglect in hygiene or personal appearance weight or appetite change sleeplessness or sleepiness low self esteem and a lack of response to praise expressing feelings of hopelessness or helplessness talk to them about suicide and remember that suicide attempts aren't just attention seeking strategies — they reflect genuine inner pain and turmoil and should be taken seriously talk to them about what’s bothering them – suicidal thoughts result from an inability to see other options ask them directly if they are contemplating suicide — if the answer is yes, find out if that person has a method and a plan in mind and if so, they should be considered at high risk and you should seek help immediately people having suicidal thoughts often feel they are a burden, so it's important to let them know they are loved and cared for, and how devastating their loss would be to others let the person know that you love or care about them and you are here for them tell them it is okay to feel sad and that you feel sad sometimes also tell them that you will help them through this and you will work on this together
What if this is my child? allow your child to do the talking, don’t interrupt don’t try to fill all of the silences in the conversation, the silences might result in don’t rush the conversation, be calm explain the importance they hold in your life and what it would mean if they were not around avoid phrases or words that might shame your child e.g. “what do you have to be depressed about you get everything you want” talk about different ways to resolve their feelings or the issues they are having make a plan with the child (they must be the one who agrees with the plan), set a date and time to talk again, let them know that you can talk anytime between now and then also highlight the contributions they have made to your family as well as to others around them try to get them involved in some new things that will help them feel connected and relevant"
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