Other Youth Topics

  1. Youth Topics
  2. Suicide Prevention
  3. After a Suicide Attempt—Caring For The Youth

After a Suicide Attempt—Caring for the Youth

The day after a youth’s suicide attempt may feel like the hardest day of their life, which creates stress in addition to the factors leading to the attempt. The youth has seriously thought about or attempted to end their life. The youth may be exhausted, experience extreme fatigue, and feel angry, embarrassed, and ashamed. The attempt itself, the reactions of other people, and transportation to and treatment in an emergency department or other health care facility can all be overwhelming.1 Recovery is likely2, and the feelings the youth is experiencing can get better through mental health treatment. Resources are available to youth and those who are caring for them after a suicide attempt.

Resources

988 Suicide Crisis and Lifeline Logo 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 
The 988 Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. When you call 988, you are connected to the nearest crisis center in a national network that provide crisis counseling and mental health referrals day and night. ¡Los servicios de texto y chat de 988 Lifeline ya están disponibles en español! Translators speaking approximately 150 languages are available. The network of crisis centers also offers services for people who are deaf and hard of hearing, including veterans.

Stories of Hope and Recovery: A Video Guide for Suicide Attempt Survivors
These videos from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) feature stories from three people, including a teenage boy, who survived suicide attempts. Told through their voices and those of their families, the stories recount journeys to recovery.

A Guide for Taking Care of Yourself After Your Treatment in the Emergency Department 
Quick tips for taking care of yourself after treatment in the emergency department for people who have attempted suicide from SAMHSA.

After an Attempt: A Guide for Medical Providers in the Emergency Department Taking Care of Suicide Attempt Survivors 
Quick tips to enhance care in the emergency department for people who have attempted suicide from SAMHSA.

After an Attempt: A Guide for Taking Care of Your Family Member After Treatment in the Emergency Department 
Quick tips for family members of people who have attempted suicide from SAMHSA.

References

1 SAMHSA, 2006
2 SAMHSA, 2006