Depression, Self-Harm, and Suicide Concerns in Children and Teens

How to recognize concerns, respond calmly, and get help

MEDICALLY REVIEWED - APPROVED FOR WEBSITE PUBLICATION

This page is for general education only and does not replace individualized medical advice. This resource does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. For questions about your own child, contact your child's current healthcare professional.

Magnolia Pediatrics, Valley Children's Healthcare
2497 E. Herndon Avenue, Suite 101, Clovis, CA 93611 | 559-538-3070

Feeling sad, worried, angry, or overwhelmed is part of being human. When feelings are intense, last for weeks, affect school, relationships, sleep, or daily life, or raise a concern about safety, a child or teen needs support. Asking directly and calmly about safety does not put the idea into a child's mind. It can open the door to getting help.

Urgent safety actions - check this first

Call 911 now if your child has taken an action to harm themself, has a weapon or another immediate means and may use it, cannot be kept safe, is severely injured or intoxicated, is confused or unresponsive, or you believe there is an immediate life-threatening emergency.

Call or text 988, or use chat at 988lifeline.org, for urgent emotional or mental-health crisis support, including suicidal thoughts, urges to self-harm, a plan, severe distress, or uncertainty about what to do. A parent or caregiver may contact 988 for help with a child or teen.

Signs that deserve attention

Persistent sadness, hopelessness, guilt, irritability, or anger; withdrawing from family, friends, or activities once enjoyed.
Major changes in sleep, appetite, energy, school performance, concentration, or personal care.
Talking, writing, drawing, posting, or joking about death, wanting to disappear, having no reason to live, or hurting oneself.
Self-harm such as cutting or burning; new substance use; reckless behavior; giving away important belongings; or a recent serious loss, trauma, or major change.

A single sign does not diagnose depression or predict suicide. Changes that are new, increasing, or connected to a painful event deserve a caring conversation and professional guidance.

How to respond in the moment

Stay calm, listen without judgment, and thank your child for telling you. Avoid arguing, lecturing, minimizing, or promising to keep safety concerns secret.
Ask plainly: "Are you thinking about hurting yourself?" and, if needed, "Are you thinking about suicide?" A direct question can help clarify safety and connection.
Stay with your child or arrange for a trusted, responsible adult to stay with them if safety is uncertain. Do not leave a child alone when you are worried about immediate self-harm.
Make the home safer: secure firearms unloaded and locked, and limit access to medicines, alcohol, sharp objects, and other potentially dangerous items. If a firearm is present, storing it away from the home is safer during a crisis.
Use 988, emergency services, or an emergency department when needed. Do not try to manage an immediate safety crisis alone.

When to contact a healthcare professional soon

Sadness, anxiety, withdrawal, behavior changes, self-harm, or worries about safety are affecting daily life, even if there is no immediate danger.
Your child reports suicidal thoughts, a wish to be dead, or urges to self-harm, even if they say they do not intend to act on them.
You are worried, uncertain, or the pattern is getting worse. It is appropriate to seek help early.

A child's clinician can help assess concerns, develop a safety plan, and connect the family with mental-health support. Treatment may include therapy, family support, school collaboration, and other individualized care.

Supporting recovery and connection

Keep communication open: choose a private, calm time; listen more than you speak; and check in again after the first conversation.
Maintain predictable routines for sleep, meals, school, movement, and time with supportive people whenever possible.
Ask the school counselor, nurse, or another trusted school professional about support if school is affected. Share only the information needed to help keep your child safe and supported.
Follow through with recommended appointments and a written safety plan. Improvement can take time; keep checking in.

Sources and medical review

Sources checked: August 14, 2026 | Medical review completed: August 14, 2026