Article Summary
A 2025 study titled Childhood Suicide Risk in the Emergency Department, published in JAMA Network, found that children aged 8 to 12 who attempted suicide were 10% more likely to return to the ER within a year for another attempt. The study shows that for some children, even after a frightening crisis, suicide can still feel like the only answer. This highlights how important it is for young people to have access to mental health care and strong family support. These connections can make a powerful difference during such a vulnerable time.
Key Findings
- Children who came to the ED for suicidal thoughts or behaviors were different in age, gender, and background.
- Around 10% of these children returned to the emergency room within a year for another suicide-related visit.
- Many face a high risk of repeated mental health emergencies, showing that one ER visit does not solve the crisis.
- The study shows an urgent need for screening, intervention, ongoing mental health care, and strong support systems for high-risk youth.
Project Eden’s youth programs were designed to provide young people and families with evidence-based support services for mental health issues and substance use education. From our work, we know that when a child is struggling with suicidal thoughts, the role of parents and caregivers is both crucial and lifesaving. This is especially true for LGBTQIA+ youth, which is why we operate the LAMBDA youth program and drop-in center in Hayward, CA. We recognize that young people who identify as LGBTQIA+ face significantly higher risks of substance use, depression, anxiety, and attempting suicide compared to their cisgender and heterosexual peers. This is especially true with LGBTQIA+ youth, as our work within our LAMBDA youth program has shown that young people who identify as LGBTQIA+ are at a significantly higher risk of alcohol and other drug use, depression, anxiety, and suicide. Your presence, support, and actions can make a profound difference in helping children feel safe, understood, and hopeful. Even when they can’t find the words to express what they’re feeling, simply knowing that someone is there truly listening and standing beside them can bring immense comfort.
Here are several positive ways parents and caregivers can work with our mental health professionals to increase the support system in their children’s lives.
Helping Young People Feel Heard and Supported
The first step is creating a safe space for open communication. One of the most important things you can do is let your child know it’s okay to talk about their feelings, no matter how big or scary those feelings may be. Encourage open conversations by listening without judgment or interruption. Avoid jumping to conclusions or offering quick solutions. Instead, respond with calm reassurance: “I’m here for you,” or “Thank you for trusting me with this.” Let your child feel heard and loved. Project Eden supports families by providing guidance, practical tools, and counseling that foster stronger communication at home. Through these resources, parents build confidence, patience, and empathy, while children come to understand that they are safe, supported, and never alone in their struggles.
Supporting Their Feelings
It’s equally important to validate their emotions. Even if their feelings seem irrational to you, they are very real to your child. Avoid minimizing their pain or telling them to “cheer up.” Instead, acknowledge their struggles and remind them that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed and that they are not alone.
Seek Professional Help
The study showed that a lack of regular care from a mental health care professional increases the likelihood for the need of emergency services due to a mental health crisis. Seeking professional help is essential and you don’t have to navigate this alone. Project Eden has mental health professionals who specialize in working with children and teens. The mental health specialist can assess the level of risk, help your child explore their feelings, and work with your family to create a safety plan. It’s important for parents and caregivers to be supportive of the process, to attend sessions if recommended, and follow through with treatment plans at home.
Foster a Supportive and Stable Environment
Fostering a supportive and stable environment can create structure, consistency, and emotional safety which is all crucial to a child’s wellbeing. Keep the home environment as calm and predictable as possible. Remove access to potentially dangerous items, including medications and firearms. Encourage healthy habits like regular sleep, physical activity, and balanced meals, all of which can positively impact mental health.
At the same time, strengthening a child’s support system beyond the home helps create a well-rounded network that fosters emotional stability, guidance, and a sense of belonging. Encouraging youth to participate in healthy activities and hobbies introduces them to new communities of support through mentors like coaches, school counselors, teachers, and fellow creatives. Programs like Project Eden further enhance this network by offering activities where youth can connect, build friendships, and find encouragement as they navigate everyday challenges.
Stay Informed
Educate yourself about mental health and suicide prevention. The more you understand, the better equipped you’ll be to support your child with compassion and confidence. Project Eden can help parents with understanding suicide, warning signs, and mental health challenges by providing you with the tools to respond compassionately and effectively. Being informed reduces fear and stigma and empowers you to act with clarity and confidence.
Lastly, children need to feel unconditionally loved and accepted. When caregivers or parents approach suicidal ideation with empathy and patience, they offer a vital source of hope and strength. Your love, support, and willingness to walk beside your child through their pain can be the lifeline they need to begin healing and rediscover their will to move forward.
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