Suicidal teen

[bubblicious3]

My 16 yr old son told me he is suicidal yesterday. He's been low for a while - he has had access to a counsellor at school who he likes talking to but doesn't seem to have helped that much. He does keep saying that he thinks DS is autistic- which we have not considered before. The main issue seems to be a mix of social anxiety (since lockdown really) and not having a great group of friends.
We are going to speak to the GP tomorrow - any advice? Am so worried that my boy feels so awful 😞

The good thing is that he's voiced he feels that way so he is open to help and wants it. My brother commutes suicide when I was 15 (now 32) and we didn't know he was even feeling that way because he kept it from us. My advice keep the communication up and explain how important it is for him to speak about his thoughts and feelings, it's not weak its the strongest thing he can do. Sending love 💕

These people are great and have lots of advice on this link www.papyrus-uk.org/guidance-on-information-sharing/

it’s great that he’s talking to you. It doesn’t sound like you are but don’t be afraid to listen to and talk to him about how he’s feeling.

*Committed

Thanks both, will check out the link. We are very open about communicating with him, but don't feel we know the right things to say.

I think just listening, not being afraid to ask ‘are you thinking about harming yourself or ending your life?’ Is really important t to give him the chance to talk. Sometimes I will ask ‘what is it that you want to be different in your life?’, it could be anything, even I want to stop feeling afraid. That’s a good start because we can help with that.

I’m not sure there is a right thing to say but by telling you that, he’s trying to communicate the strength of his feeling. You could explore that with him…eg to feel that life’s not worth living i’m imagining you feel extremely sad/angry/scared/stressed etc do any of those resonate with you? Can you tell us what your ideas are about what’s making it so hard at the moment? Etc

plus lots of love and time together so he doesn’t feel alone

any adaptions school can make if school s hard?

if counsellor is wondering about autism can you afford a private assessment? Have a google and see if his traits may fit with that? If he is neuro diverse having an explanation may help him understand himself a little more?
sounds like you are doing your absolute best in a very hard situation xx

It might not be the first thing you need to do but if there is a possibility that your ds is autistic then try and find out if that is the case (ask for an assessment). If he is, then things like talking therapies will need to be adapted for him. Also knowing you are autistic (if you are) can be greatly beneficial to mental health, it lit helps explain why certain things are really difficult and why you may always feel different or out of step.