When a Teen Talks About Not Wanting to Be Here: Get Help Now

Take it seriously and stay close

When a teen says they don't want to be here anymore, the most protective thing you can do is stay present and calm. Don't leave them alone if you're worried about their immediate safety. You don't have to fix everything in this moment. Listening without panicking or lecturing tells your teen they can keep talking to you. Depression and suicidal thoughts are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents, and roughly one in seven 10-to-19-year-olds experiences a mental health condition 1Ref 1World Health Organization (2024).Mental Health of Adolescents (Fact Sheet).Depression, anxiety and behavioural disorders are leading causes of illness among adolescents; about one in seven 10-19-year-olds experiences a mental disorder. — your teen is not alone, and these feelings can be treated.

Ask directly — it does not plant the idea

It is okay, and helpful, to ask plainly: "Are you thinking about killing yourself?" Asking directly does not put the idea in their head; it opens the door and lowers the pressure they may be carrying alone. Validated screening of youth ages 12 and older uses direct, specific questions about suicidal thoughts for exactly this reason 2Ref 2American Academy of Pediatrics; American Foundation for Suicide Prevention; National Institute of Mental Health (2022).Blueprint for Youth Suicide Prevention.Suicide-risk screening of youth 12 and older uses validated, direct questions via a clinical pathway.. Listen to the answer without arguing them out of their feelings. If they say yes, stay with them and move to getting help.

Make the environment safer right now

While you're connecting to help, reduce access to anything that could be used for self-harm. Lock up or remove firearms, store medications out of reach, and put away sharp objects, alcohol, and car keys if needed. Putting time and distance between a teen in crisis and a method is one of the most effective immediate protective steps 3Ref 3Hua LL, Lee J, Rahmandar MH, Sigel EJ; AAP Committee on Adolescence, Council on Injury, Violence, and Poison Prevention (2024).Suicide and Suicide Risk in Adolescents (Clinical Report).AAP clinical report on screening, risk factors, and management of adolescent suicide risk, including reducing access to means and evidence-based interventions.. This is a temporary safety measure, not a punishment — you can tell your teen that.

Connect to help — who to call

You do not have to manage this alone. Reach a trained counselor any time:

• Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) for free, confidential support 24/7.
• Text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line).
• Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if your teen has taken something, is hurting themselves, or is in immediate danger.

After the immediate crisis, contact your teen's pediatrician or a mental health clinician. Adolescent depression and suicide risk are screened and managed through clear clinical pathways, and effective treatments exist 3Ref 3Hua LL, Lee J, Rahmandar MH, Sigel EJ; AAP Committee on Adolescence, Council on Injury, Violence, and Poison Prevention (2024).Suicide and Suicide Risk in Adolescents (Clinical Report).AAP clinical report on screening, risk factors, and management of adolescent suicide risk, including reducing access to means and evidence-based interventions.4Ref 4March J, Silva S, Petrycki S, et al. (Treatment for Adolescents With Depression Study Team) (2004).Fluoxetine, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Their Combination for Adolescents With Depression: Treatment for Adolescents With Depression Study (TADS) Randomized Controlled Trial.Combination of fluoxetine plus CBT offered the most favorable benefit-to-risk balance for adolescent major depressive disorder..

After the immediate danger passes

Once your teen is safe, follow up quickly. A pediatrician or behavioral-health clinician can do a structured assessment, screen with validated tools, and build a treatment and safety plan. Adolescent depression responds to evidence-based care, and the combination of therapy and, when indicated, medication has the strongest evidence for recovery 4Ref 4March J, Silva S, Petrycki S, et al. (Treatment for Adolescents With Depression Study Team) (2004).Fluoxetine, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Their Combination for Adolescents With Depression: Treatment for Adolescents With Depression Study (TADS) Randomized Controlled Trial.Combination of fluoxetine plus CBT offered the most favorable benefit-to-risk balance for adolescent major depressive disorder.. Keep the conversation going — recovery is usually a series of steps, not one talk.