If you or your child are having a mental health crisis, call 988.

Warning Signs your Child may be Having a Mental Health Crisis

  • ​Inability to do daily tasks (bathing, brushing teeth or hair, changing clothes)
  • Sudden changes in mood
    • Increased energy level, inability to stay still, pacing
    • Suddenly depressed or withdrawn
    • Suddenly cheerful after a period of depression
  • Increased agitation, verbal threats, violence, out-of-control behavior, property destruction
  • Abusive behavior towards self and others including substance abuse or self harm
  • Isolation from school, work, family, friends
  • Loss of touch with reality (psychosis)
    • Unable to recognize family or friends
    • Confused
    • Strange ideas
    • Thinks they're someone they're not
    • Doesn't understand what people are saying
    • Hears voices
    • Sees things that aren't there
  • Paranoia

Warning Signs Your Child may be Considering Suicide

  • Giving away personal possessions
  • Talking as if they're saying goodbye or going away forever
  • Stockpiling pills or obtaining a weapon
  • Preoccupied with death
  • Seeming suddenly cheerful or calm after a period of feeling down or hopeless
  • Dramatically changing personality, mood, and/or behavior
  • Using drugs or alcohol
  • Saying things like "Nothing matters anymore," "You'll be better off without me," or "Life isn't worth living"
  • Withdrawing from friends, family, or normal activities
  • Exhibiting a sense hopelessness and helplessness
  • Having a history of suicide attempts or other self-harming behavior
  • Having a history of family/friend suicide or attempts

What to Do If you Suspect Your Child May be Considering Suicide

Open the conversation with a specific sign you've noticed, for example:
“I’ve noticed lately that you [haven’t been sleeping, aren’t interested in soccer anymore, which you used to love, are posting a lot of sad song lyrics online, etc.] …” 

Then ask something like:
  • “Are you thinking about suicide?”
  • “Do you have a plan? Do you know how you would do it?”
  • ​“When was the last time you thought about suicide?”

Don’t ask in a way that implies you’re looking for a “no” answer like: “You aren’t thinking
about suicide, are you?”
If the answer is "yes" or you suspect they may be at risk of suicide:
  • Call our office at 903-342-3710 (press option 4 for after hours)
  • Remove risks such as medicines or weapons
  • Call the Mental Health Crisis Line at 988

Mental Health Emergency Resources

​Navigating a Mental Health Crisis