Whenever a teen threatens suicide, take them seriously. Even though you believe a teen tends to be melodramatic about most things, don't discount the threat. Lots of teenagers use suicide threats to merely gain attention. Do not ignore these threats since you cannot be sure this isn't the real thing.

Signs to look for that indicate a child may be considering suicide include a withdrawal from everything important. This is more than a distancing from family that many parents' experience. It is a distancing from life. They may withdraw from family, friends, caring about school, and all social activities. They may even give up sports and hobbies they love.

Look for the absence of prized possessions. They often bequeath their most favorite worldly goods right before the suicide attempt. In some cases they simply tell a friend or even a parent that they want a certain person to have a particular item " if something were to happen to them." If other signs exist, this could be a clear warning.

Listen for the words of finality, such as 'soon it won't matter", 'I won't be here on Saturday." Or "Soon your (the parent's) trouble will be over."

A preoccupation with the subjects of death, suicide, and the afterlife could be a sign. Suddenly, they are interested in 'dark topics' such as ways to kill yourself. It may be expressed more subtly in dark movies, poetry, music, and art. Obsessive talk and remembrance of those that died or killed themselves may fill their conversation.

A person who is truly serious about committing suicide usually has a plan. They may talk about the act in great detail. They will be able to describe the exact method, the weapon and how they will obtain it. They may add exact location of where they will do it, a precise time, and even what they will be wearing. They sometimes visualize what people will do and say, how they may react, when they find out the teen is dead. They might describe their viewing or burial.

Whenever a teen expresses complete hopelessness and a feeling that their life is not worth living, your antennae should go up. If your teen says he wants to commit suicide, believe them. The risk is not worth it. Get this child help. Take them to the emergency room or a therapist immediately.

Credits: Jo Ann Wentzel