Advice from Dr. Hirsch and Diana Kochan, LMFT, on “Warning Signs for Suicidal Behavior:”
- Child has talked about wanting to die or kill themselves AND has a plan.
- Child has talked about feeling hopeless or having no reason to continue with living.
- Child has talked more about death.
- Client isolates more from family and friends and does not engage in activities that used to make them happy.
- Child has talked about being a burden to others and feels guilty about others caring for them.
- Child has said goodbye to friends and family.
Advice from Dr. Hirsch and Diana Kochan, LMFT, on “How to Keep Your Child Safe:”
One: Trust your gut, if something seems off with your child, go to them and directly ask them if they have thoughts of wanting to hurt themselves.
Two: ASK YOUR CHILD DIRECTLY “DO YOU HAVE ANY CURRENT OR PAST THOUGHTS ABOUT HURTING YOURSELF OR WISH YOU WERE DEAD? IF YES DO YOU HAVE A PLAN?”
***NOTE: Many studies have shown that directly asking your child these questions DOES NOT “put the thought in their head” or increase the chance of attempting suicide. In fact most children are relieved to be able to talk to a parent about these difficult thoughts.
Three: If your child tells you that they currently want to hurt themselves and they have a plan on how to hurt themselves, please go immediately day or night to have your child evaluated by a trained mental health provider in suicide crisis management. This immediate action can be life-saving. In our area we have two excellent 24/7 resources for immediate mental health crisis evaluations:
Pediatric Emergency room at Adventist Shady Grove Rockville (9901 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, billed to health insurance)
Montgomery County Crisis Center (240-777-4000, 1300 Piccard Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, free services)
Call or text 988 if you are not able to immediately seek care. Make sure your child also is aware of 988. 988 is the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and offers 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors for people with suicidal thoughts or for those worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. LGBTQ+ suicide support also available 24/7 at the Trevor Project by live chat on the web, calling 866-488-7386, or texting START to 678-678.
Four: Let your child know that you are there for them and that they are not alone. If you are worried about your child’s imminent health then do not leave them unaccompanied until you are able to seek help. This includes sleeping in their bedroom and leaving the bathroom door open at all times.
Five: At home, reduce all access to any lethal items such as guns, pills, and knives. The actual act of suicide is an impulsive decisions often decided within seconds of the attempt so removing guns from the house is especially urgent.
Six: After being evaluated by a crisis counselor please contact us to schedule an appointment for ongoing therapy to help your family and child process their feelings. Hirsch Pediatrics patients have access to our in-house therapist Diana Kochan, LMFT, Monday to Friday.
