Suicidal ideation in children | Bradley Hospital
Source: http://www.bradleyhospital.org/condition/suicidal-ideation
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:16
Suicidal ideation in children | Bradley Hospital
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Suicidal Ideation
Many children feel strong emotions as they grow up, including stress, self-doubt, confusion, and a number of pressures related to success and their future. For some children, these pressures lead them to believe that suicide is their only way out.
Sub Header
Recognizing the warning signs of suicide is critical to prevention.
Header Image Media
Section Intro Text
Signs and Symptoms
A child at risk for suicide typically shows the signs and symptoms of depression.
Typical signs and symptoms include:
Change in eating and sleeping habits
Withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activities
Violent or rebellious behavior
Running away
Excessive drug and alcohol use
Neglect of their personal appearance
Change in their normal personality
Persistent boredom
Difficulty concentrating
Decline in the quality of schoolwork
Frequent complaints about physical symptoms, such as stomachaches, headaches, or fatigue
Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy
Not accepting of praise or rewards
In addition, a child who is planning suicide may:
Complain that they are a bad person or feels rotten inside
Begin to give verbal hints of committing suicide by saying things like:
I won't be a problem for you much longer
Nothing matters
It's no use
I won't see you again
Put their affairs in order (for example, give away favorite possessions, clean their room, or throw away important belongings)
Become suddenly cheerful after a period of depression
Show signs of psychosis
If your child is at risk, the first step
is to obtain an emergency evaluation by calling 988 or 911 (or whatever we say to do in emergencies) and work with the mental health specialist to
develop a safety plan. Once the threat of suicide is reduced, the next phase of treatment focuses on addressing any underlying mental illness. Children can return to a healthy life after having suicidal thoughts. The support and encouragement from family members and professionals is critical to recovery.
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Youth Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour training course designed to give members of the public key skills to help a youth who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.
Find Out More
Get Help at Bradley Hospital
Body
Bradley Hospital clinicians are specially trained to perform evaluations for children and adolescents, and will direct each child to the most appropriate and effective services for their needs. Call our Access Center at
1-855-543-5465
to get help.
Block CTA
Learn more
Suicide Prevention
Body
Recognizing the warning signs of suicide is critical to prevention. If you are concerned that your child may be suicidal, seek help immediately even if you do not think they will act on their feelings.
Block CTA
Crisis Situations
Flexible Content
Call to Action Block
Related Centers & Programs
Quicklinks
Bradley Outpatient Services
Outpatient Group Therapy Programs for Kids, Teens and Parents
Child & Adolescent Inpatient Program at Bradley Hospital
Child & Adolescent Partial Hospital Programs
Children's Residential Treatment Services
Access Center
Blog Posts
Header Image Media
Token Title Display
How Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Can Help Teens
Header Image Media
Token Title Display
The Seven Cs of Resilience and How Parents Can Build Resilient Children
Header Image Media
Token Title Display
Six Reasons to Learn Mental Health First Aid
See all Blog Posts
Courses
See all Courses
Token Title Display
Understanding Risk for Nonsuicidal Self-Injury
Registration Link Url
Learn More and Register
About
This presentation will provide a broad overview of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescents, including its prevalence in this age group, the reasons teens engage in this behavior, some of the...
Presenters
Margaret R. Paccione-Dyszlewski, PhD
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The Power of "And": How to Use DBT in Everyday Life
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This module provides a brief background on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and focuses on the concept of “dialectics.” In particular, the importance of using the word “and” and demonstrating how it...
Presenters
Rebecca Laptook, PhD
Margaret R. Paccione-Dyszlewski, PhD
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Supporting Optimal Sleep of Adolescents
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This module provides an overview of issues regarding optimal sleep for adolescents, including how to determine whether sleep is adequate, and steps teens can take, with their parents’ help, to improve...
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Mary A. Carskadon, PhD
Margaret R. Paccione-Dyszlewski, PhD
Podcast Episodes
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Pause and Practice
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In this episode of Mindcast, Dr. Andrea Gold provides an overview of core mindfulness skills as taught and practiced in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and its adolescent adaptation (DBT-A) with...
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Andrea Gold, PhD
Tanuja P. Gandhi, MD
Gregory K. Fritz, MD
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Teens, Mental Health, and the Impact of Substance Use
Description
Dr. Robert Miranda is on the latest episode of Mindcast, discussing the use of substances and the correlation to mental health in teens. Find out why teens start using substances and how to help your...
Hosts Guests
Robert Miranda Jr., PhD, MEd
Tanuja P. Gandhi, MD
Gregory K. Fritz, MD
Token Title Display
Soothing Strategies: Occupation Therapy Tips for Managing Sensory Overload
Description
We’ve seen them everywhere – fidgets. They’re growing in popularity, among both kids and adults, but what is their true purpose? Why should we use them? They are often referred to as fidget “toys” but...
Hosts Guests
Tanuja P. Gandhi, MD
Gregory K. Fritz, MD
Typical Co-Existing Diagnoses
Related Conditions Content
Token Title Display
Depression
Token Title Display
Self-Injurious Behaviors
Token Title Display
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Token Title Display
Bipolar Disorder
Token Title Display
Anxiety Disorders
Token Title Display
Substance Use
Token Title Display
Conduct Disorder
Token Title Display
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Token Title Display
Eating Disorders
Resources
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
800-273-TALK (8255)
https://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide
(2001)
By Kay Redfield Jamison
Samaritans of Rhode Island
401-272-4044
(Providence)
800-365-4044
(Statewide)
https://www.samaritansri.org
reCAPTCHA
Skip to main content
Search for Resources & Information
Suicidal Ideation
Many children feel strong emotions as they grow up, including stress, self-doubt, confusion, and a number of pressures related to success and their future. For some children, these pressures lead them to believe that suicide is their only way out.
Sub Header
Recognizing the warning signs of suicide is critical to prevention.
Header Image Media
Section Intro Text
Signs and Symptoms
A child at risk for suicide typically shows the signs and symptoms of depression.
Typical signs and symptoms include:
Change in eating and sleeping habits
Withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activities
Violent or rebellious behavior
Running away
Excessive drug and alcohol use
Neglect of their personal appearance
Change in their normal personality
Persistent boredom
Difficulty concentrating
Decline in the quality of schoolwork
Frequent complaints about physical symptoms, such as stomachaches, headaches, or fatigue
Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy
Not accepting of praise or rewards
In addition, a child who is planning suicide may:
Complain that they are a bad person or feels rotten inside
Begin to give verbal hints of committing suicide by saying things like:
I won't be a problem for you much longer
Nothing matters
It's no use
I won't see you again
Put their affairs in order (for example, give away favorite possessions, clean their room, or throw away important belongings)
Become suddenly cheerful after a period of depression
Show signs of psychosis
If your child is at risk, the first step
is to obtain an emergency evaluation by calling 988 or 911 (or whatever we say to do in emergencies) and work with the mental health specialist to
develop a safety plan. Once the threat of suicide is reduced, the next phase of treatment focuses on addressing any underlying mental illness. Children can return to a healthy life after having suicidal thoughts. The support and encouragement from family members and professionals is critical to recovery.
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Youth Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour training course designed to give members of the public key skills to help a youth who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.
Find Out More
Get Help at Bradley Hospital
Body
Bradley Hospital clinicians are specially trained to perform evaluations for children and adolescents, and will direct each child to the most appropriate and effective services for their needs. Call our Access Center at
1-855-543-5465
to get help.
Block CTA
Learn more
Suicide Prevention
Body
Recognizing the warning signs of suicide is critical to prevention. If you are concerned that your child may be suicidal, seek help immediately even if you do not think they will act on their feelings.
Block CTA
Crisis Situations
Flexible Content
Call to Action Block
Related Centers & Programs
Quicklinks
Bradley Outpatient Services
Outpatient Group Therapy Programs for Kids, Teens and Parents
Child & Adolescent Inpatient Program at Bradley Hospital
Child & Adolescent Partial Hospital Programs
Children's Residential Treatment Services
Access Center
Blog Posts
Header Image Media
Token Title Display
How Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Can Help Teens
Header Image Media
Token Title Display
The Seven Cs of Resilience and How Parents Can Build Resilient Children
Header Image Media
Token Title Display
Six Reasons to Learn Mental Health First Aid
See all Blog Posts
Courses
See all Courses
Token Title Display
Understanding Risk for Nonsuicidal Self-Injury
Registration Link Url
Learn More and Register
About
This presentation will provide a broad overview of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescents, including its prevalence in this age group, the reasons teens engage in this behavior, some of the...
Presenters
Margaret R. Paccione-Dyszlewski, PhD
Token Title Display
The Power of "And": How to Use DBT in Everyday Life
Registration Link Url
Learn More and Register
About
This module provides a brief background on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and focuses on the concept of “dialectics.” In particular, the importance of using the word “and” and demonstrating how it...
Presenters
Rebecca Laptook, PhD
Margaret R. Paccione-Dyszlewski, PhD
Token Title Display
Supporting Optimal Sleep of Adolescents
Registration Link Url
Learn More and Register
About
This module provides an overview of issues regarding optimal sleep for adolescents, including how to determine whether sleep is adequate, and steps teens can take, with their parents’ help, to improve...
Presenters
Mary A. Carskadon, PhD
Margaret R. Paccione-Dyszlewski, PhD
Podcast Episodes
See all Podcasts
Token Title Display
Pause and Practice
Description
In this episode of Mindcast, Dr. Andrea Gold provides an overview of core mindfulness skills as taught and practiced in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and its adolescent adaptation (DBT-A) with...
Hosts Guests
Andrea Gold, PhD
Tanuja P. Gandhi, MD
Gregory K. Fritz, MD
Token Title Display
Teens, Mental Health, and the Impact of Substance Use
Description
Dr. Robert Miranda is on the latest episode of Mindcast, discussing the use of substances and the correlation to mental health in teens. Find out why teens start using substances and how to help your...
Hosts Guests
Robert Miranda Jr., PhD, MEd
Tanuja P. Gandhi, MD
Gregory K. Fritz, MD
Token Title Display
Soothing Strategies: Occupation Therapy Tips for Managing Sensory Overload
Description
We’ve seen them everywhere – fidgets. They’re growing in popularity, among both kids and adults, but what is their true purpose? Why should we use them? They are often referred to as fidget “toys” but...
Hosts Guests
Tanuja P. Gandhi, MD
Gregory K. Fritz, MD
Typical Co-Existing Diagnoses
Related Conditions Content
Token Title Display
Depression
Token Title Display
Self-Injurious Behaviors
Token Title Display
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Token Title Display
Bipolar Disorder
Token Title Display
Anxiety Disorders
Token Title Display
Substance Use
Token Title Display
Conduct Disorder
Token Title Display
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Token Title Display
Eating Disorders
Resources
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
800-273-TALK (8255)
https://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide
(2001)
By Kay Redfield Jamison
Samaritans of Rhode Island
401-272-4044
(Providence)
800-365-4044
(Statewide)
https://www.samaritansri.org
reCAPTCHA