SafeGuarding Hub
Warning Signs of Suicidal Thoughts in Children and Young People
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Know What to Look For. Know When to Act.
Recognising the signs of emotional distress early can help save a life. While not all young people show clear or obvious signs, many do show warning signals that something isn’t right.
Key Warning Signs of Suicidal Thoughts:​
If a child or young person is:
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Talking or Writing About:
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Wanting to die or kill themselves
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Feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
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Feeling like a burden to others
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Saying they have no purpose
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Mentioning suicide, even casually
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“Everyone would be better off without me.”
“I can’t do this anymore.”
“I wish I could just disappear.”
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Emotional Signs:
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Ongoing sadness or low mood
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Sudden mood swings (calm after being extremely distressed may indicate a decision has been made)
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Extreme anxiety, agitation, or rage
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Withdrawal from family and friends
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Loss of interest in hobbies or school
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Feeling worthless or guilty
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Expressing shame or humiliation
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Behavioural Signs:
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Giving away personal belongings or writing “goodbye” notes
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Suddenly putting affairs in order (e.g., deleting social accounts, saying unusual goodbyes)
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Risk-taking behaviour (reckless driving, unsafe sex, substance misuse)
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Isolating themselves more than usual
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Increased use of alcohol or drugs
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Sleeping too little or too much
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Self-harming (cutting, burning, hitting) — a strong risk factor for suicide
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Physical Signs:
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Unexplained injuries
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Changes in eating habits (overeating or refusing food)
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Noticeable weight loss or gain
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Tiredness, low energy, or complaints of frequent headaches or stomach-aches
Who Might Be at Higher Risk?
Suicidal thoughts can affect any child or teen, but they may be more common in those who:
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Have a history of self-harm or suicide attempts
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Have experienced trauma, abuse, or bullying
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Identify as LGBTQ+ and lack support
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Are dealing with family breakdown or bereavement
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Have a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety
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Feel isolated or socially excluded
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Are under academic or social pressure
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What You Can Do as a Parent or Carer
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Take all signs seriously — never assume they’re “just being dramatic”
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Ask directly: “Are you thinking about suicide?” (It will not put the idea in their head)
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Listen without judgement and stay calm
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Don’t dismiss their feelings, even if they don’t seem logical
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Seek help immediately if you're worried about their safety
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If You’re Concerned Right Now
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In an emergency, call 999 or take them to A&E
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Papyrus HOPELINE247: 0800 068 41 41 | Text 07860 039967
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Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7)
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Childline: 0800 1111
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YoungMinds Crisis Text Line: Text YM to 85258
When to Seek Professional Help
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If suicidal thoughts are mentioned (even once)
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If your child is self-harming or showing depressive behaviours
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If their behaviour changes drastically
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If they have a suicide plan or have made an attempt
Speak to your GP, school mental health lead, or a specialist service like CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services).
Final Note for Parents
If you’re reading this and feeling overwhelmed, please know this:
You are not failing as a parent. You are doing your best. And your child can get better.
We’re here to help you navigate this with compassion, clarity, and support.