A disclosure that is indirect, joking or quickly withdrawn
Ask what is happening now, whether suicidal thoughts are present and whether the person can remain safe while help is contacted.
Talking to a Teenager About Suicidal Thoughts
One safe step at a time.
Choose a private moment, name what you have noticed and ask directly: “Are you thinking about suicide?” Then listen without rushing to correct, debate or demand reassurance.
Direct answerSay what is happening.
Say what is happening.
Bring another person in.
Choose a private moment, name what you have noticed and ask directly: “Are you thinking about suicide?” Then listen without rushing to correct, debate or demand reassurance.
A teenager may fear punishment, loss of control, hospital, school consequences or upsetting the family. Calm, specific questions communicate that the topic can be spoken about. Their answer still needs to be considered alongside behaviour and the adult’s ability to keep them safe.
A proportionate next step
Thank them for telling you, ask whether they feel able to stay safe now, and explain the next step before contacting help. Keep them involved where possible while accepting that immediate safety can require urgent action without waiting for agreement.
Signals to take seriouslyLook for change.
Look for change.
Ask about safety.
No list or score predicts suicide. These prompts help begin a direct conversation and decide whether urgent services are needed.
Avoiding questions about current safety
Ask what is happening now, whether suicidal thoughts are present and whether the person can remain safe while help is contacted.
Fear of being left alone or going home
Ask what is happening now, whether suicidal thoughts are present and whether the person can remain safe while help is contacted.
A recent loss, humiliation, conflict or online event
Ask what is happening now, whether suicidal thoughts are present and whether the person can remain safe while help is contacted.
What to doUse a short
Use a short
safety sequence.
The aim is not to produce a diagnosis. It is to reduce isolation and reach the right level of help.
Ask directly and listen
Use calm, plain language. Give the person time to answer and reflect back what you heard without debate, guilt or forced optimism.
Clarify immediate safety
Ask whether the person may act, has made preparations or can stay safe. Do not use a risk score or a verbal promise as a substitute for professional assessment.
Create connection and distance from danger
Stay together when safety is uncertain, move towards a safer shared place, involve another trusted person and reduce access to danger without confrontation.
Use the appropriate UK route
Thank them for telling you, ask whether they feel able to stay safe now, and explain the next step before contacting help. Keep them involved where possible while accepting that immediate safety can require urgent action without waiting for agreement.
Important boundarySupport is shared.
Support is shared.
Safety is not a private burden.
Do not promise to keep suicidal thoughts secret, leave a young person alone when safety is uncertain or use guilt about the effect on family. Do not turn the conversation into an interrogation about reasons.
Suicidal thoughts require human contact and, where indicated, professional assessment. Never delay NHS or emergency help while waiting for an iMetaWellness response.
Conversation prompts
Four clear questions.
Adapt the language to age, communication needs and the relationship, while keeping the meaning direct.
Are you thinking about suicide?
This names the concern without euphemism and gives the person permission to answer directly.
Do you feel you may act on those thoughts?
A “yes”, uncertainty or inability to answer clearly can require urgent or emergency action.
Can you stay safe while we contact help?
Do not leave someone alone when safety is uncertain. Call 999 or go to A&E for immediate danger.
Who else can help us carry this now?
Identify a trusted person and the relevant NHS, GP, mental-health or emergency route.
Non-crisis supportUrgent route first.
Urgent route first.
Private enquiry afterwards.
Once immediate safety and clinical support are established, use the patient form to ask whether complementary wellbeing support is suitable.