Parent & caregiver guide
Depression, hopelessness, and safety at home
Depression in kids and teens often looks like irritability, exhaustion, and withdrawal rather than sadness. It is treatable, and asking directly about suicide does not plant the idea — it lowers risk. Your job is not to diagnose. Your job is to notice, ask plainly, keep the home safe, and get a professional involved.
Save this guide or share it with a teacher, counselor, or co-parent.
What to look for
Common signs
- Two or more weeks of low or irritable mood most of the day
- Dropping activities and friends they used to care about
- Big changes in sleep or appetite in either direction
- "Nothing matters," "everyone would be better off," or giving things away
- Self-harm marks, long sleeves in warm weather, or new secrecy
Do this first
Practical strategies to try today
- 01
Ask directly and calmly: "Are you having thoughts of hurting yourself or not wanting to be here?"
- 02
Lock up or remove firearms and store medications securely — means safety saves lives.
- 03
Keep the routine going gently: daylight, movement, food, and one social contact a day.
- 04
Call the pediatrician this week for a depression screening and referral.
- 05
Save 988 in both of your phones and agree on who they'll text first at 2am.
How to bring it up
Conversation starters
"You haven't seemed like yourself. I'm not upset — I'm paying attention."
"On a scale of 1 to 10, where has your mood been sitting?"
"Have you ever thought about hurting yourself? I can handle the answer."
Print & use tonight
Worksheets and checklists
Watch
Recommended videos
Where to turn
Community resources
Don't wait
When to seek additional support
- Any talk of suicide, a plan, or means — call or text 988 or go to the ER now
- Self-harm of any kind
- Two weeks of withdrawal, hopelessness, or loss of interest
Still not sure what your child needs? Care Solutions offers free, non-clinical navigation for families — tell us what's going on and we'll help you find the next step.