Can I talk about suicide with my children?
Yes. Talking about it calmly and in words suited to their age does not put the idea into anyone's head. Silence, on the other hand, leaves children alone with their questions.
Suicide is a hard subject to talk about, especially with children. But they may hear the word at school, in the news or because it has happened close to them. The research is clear: asking or talking about suicide does not increase the risk, and it can open the door to asking for help.
How to talk about it
- Start from what they know. “What have you heard?”.
- Simple, truthful words. To a young child: “they had an illness that made them feel a very big pain inside, and they died”.
- No details about how it happened.
- Explain that help exists. Emotional suffering can be treated, and saying what is happening to us is the first step.
- Leave the door open to talking about it again.
If someone close has died
Telling the truth, adapted to their age, is better than a version they will end up finding out from others. It helps to repeat that it is nobody's fault and to keep up routines.
If we are worried about our child
If they talk about wanting to die, disappear or hurt themselves, take it seriously, listen without scolding and seek professional help straight away. In Spain, the 024 helpline answers calls about suicidal behaviour twenty-four hours a day, and 112 is the emergency number.