Managing those difficult conversations with youth who are self-harming or suicidal can be a challenge. It can be helpful to prepare and learn how to possibly respond ahead of time if possible. These situations tend to overwhelm and are often not detected in advance. Ideally, caregivers who support youth who self-harm will seek help from professional counselors or mobile crisis if they are actively suicidal. In addition, caregivers can periodically review the suicidality or self-harm distress signs to watch for to better understand when to respond and how. Early intervention is critical.
This brief resource was adapted from the Perimeter website which offers many ideas to support caregivers who are assisting others with suicidal or self-harm tendencies. While there are many components needed to equip a caregiver to vulnerable youth who are suicidal or practice self-harm. This tool has a few simple prompts to guide conversations.
Printable Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention Caregiver Conversations with Hurting Youth.ppt
