- Understanding Suicidal Ideation: You will learn what suicidal ideation is, its warning signs, and the importance of early intervention. This includes understanding the complex emotional struggles behind suicidal thoughts in teens and how to respond appropriately.
- Common Misconceptions About Suicide: Gain insight into myths about suicide, such as the misconception that talking about suicide increases its likelihood. By addressing these myths, parents can foster open conversations with their teens and recognize the seriousness of suicidal thoughts.
- Risk Factors and Co-Occurring Disorders: Discover the underlying mental health issues that often accompany suicidal thoughts, like anxiety and depression. Learn about the warning signs and risk factors that can signal when your teen may need professional help.
- Parental Support Strategies: Learn practical ways to support your teen, including building open communication, validating their feelings, monitoring behavior changes, and fostering resilience—all while understanding when professional treatment is necessary.
3 Reasons to Choose OASIS Ascent's Suicide Ideation Treatment for Your Teen and Family
At OASIS Ascent, teens who come to us for suicidal ideation treatment receive a compassionate and thorough approach to their mental health.
Here are the key strengths of our treatment model that set OASIS Ascent apart in supporting teens on their path to healing:
- 1. Assessment and Suicide Risk Evaluation Tools: OASIS Ascent uses the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (CSSRS). It's a structured, widely used tool to assess suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This evaluation is done by both therapists and trained staff. It ensures quick and accurate identification of the teen's needs. This structured process allows for a detailed understanding of the child’s mental health, helping staff make informed decisions about their care.
- 2. Long-Term Stabilization Approach: OASIS aims for lasting fixes. Unlike short hospital stays (2 weeks or less), it provides comprehensive stabilization through extended care. This includes group and individual therapy, and real-life skill-building for two to three months. Addressing the root causes of suicidal ideation helps teens achieve lasting progress rather than a brief reprieve from their struggles.
- 3. Less Restrictive, Non-Hospital Setting: OASIS Ascent provides a safe, supportive environment for teens who may not meet the criteria for an inpatient psych hospital but still struggle with suicidal thoughts. It lets them get suicidal ideation treatment without hospital limits. This offers a balanced approach to care.
What is Suicidal Ideation?
Suicidal ideation refers to when someone is thinking about taking their own life. These thoughts can range from a vague desire to escape their pain to a more active, detailed plan. While they might go unnoticed at first, they are a serious warning sign that shouldn't be ignored. Think of suicidal ideation like an iceberg—what you see on the surface may seem small, but there's often a much bigger issue hidden beneath. That's why early intervention is so important.
Suicidal ideation treatment at OASIS Ascent can help uncover what your teen is going through and provide the urgent care they need. Not every teen with these thoughts attempts suicide. But, if they have a plan and intent, it's a crisis that demands immediate attention. At OASIS Ascent, our team is here to offer support and guide your family through this challenging time, giving your teen the care they need to heal.
Common Misconceptions About Suicide
- Misconceptions about suicide can stop people from helping those who are struggling. Many people see suicide as a taboo topic and are scared to talk about it. One of the most common myths is that talking about suicide increases the likelihood of it happening. In reality, opening up this conversation can be lifesaving. Discussing suicide does not plant the idea in someone’s mind—it can provide an outlet for a teen who may feel isolated and misunderstood. Honest discussions allow parents to identify warning signs and intervene, helping their teens access the support they need.
- Another harmful misconception is that teens who talk about suicide are seeking attention without any serious intent. This belief can lead to dismissing serious cries for help. Many individuals who complete suicide have shared their intent with someone before. Parents should always take any mention of suicidal thoughts seriously. A teen showing these feelings is seeking help. We must respond with empathy and concern to prevent a tragedy. Many also believe that suicide cannot be predicted and prevented, but this is not entirely true. While suicide is complex, it is often preventable. Key strategies are to tackle mental health issues, like depression and anxiety. Also, limit access to lethal means. Suicidal ideation treatment options, including therapy and medication, can reduce the risk of suicide when applied at an early stage.
- Finally, it’s a misconception that only certain groups are at risk for suicide. Suicide can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or gender. Though some demographics may have higher rates, no one is immune. Parents need to stay alert to the warning signs and not assume their teen is safe because they don't fit a certain profile. Recognizing these misconceptions and approaching the topic with openness and care could make all the difference in a teen's life.
Risk Factors and Warning Signs
Genetic, physical, and environmental factors can influence suicidal thoughts. A family history of mental health issues, like depression, may raise the risk of such thoughts. When the chemicals in the brain that control mood become unbalanced, it can lead to feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Also, life can challenge a person with trauma, loss, or stress. Without support or coping skills, it can lead to feeling overwhelmed and suicidal. All these factors can work together, making it tough to manage those thoughts.
As a parent, you must learn to look out for and identify the risk factors and warning signs of suicide in your teen.
The following list will provide you with risk factors and warning signs that you should look out for:
Co-Occurring Disorders
Suicidal thoughts rarely occur alone. They often signal another mental health disorder. Parents should know the link between suicidal thoughts and co-occurring disorders. This knowledge can help them support their children and intervene when needed. Many individuals who experience thoughts of self-harm or suicide are grappling with underlying mental health conditions that contribute to their emotional pain. These disorders can cause a mix of symptoms. So, it's vital to identify and treat them. Here is a list of common co-occurring disorders linked to suicidal thoughts. It shows the need for a comprehensive approach to mental health care.
Here is a list of common co-occurring disorders linked to suicidal thoughts. They show the need for a comprehensive approach to mental health care.
- Anxiety disorders
- Posttraumatic stress disorder
- Depressive disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Adjustment disorder
- Eating disorders
- Body dysmorphic disorder
- Personality disorders
- Schizoaffective disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Substance use disorders
By staying aware of these risk factors, warning signs, and co-occurring disorders, you can better understand when your teen may be in danger and if they need suicidal ideation treatment. Early recognition and action can provide the support they need before things escalate.
Suicide Statistics
What Can Parents Do To Help Their Struggling Teen?
Parents often feel lost and unsure of how to help their teen when they are struggling with suicidal thoughts. As a parent, you have an important and powerful role in supporting your child through this difficult time. You can't solve all their problems. But, you can help. Create a safe, understanding space for your teen. They need to feel heard. Doing so will help them feel less alone and more hopeful about the future.
Build Trust Through Open Communication:
One of the most beneficial things that parents can do for their children is to build a relationship of trust with them. They can do this by opening up a line of communication with them where they can talk openly about their feelings and whatever they are going through. Teens must be able to discuss their difficult feelings with their parents. They should do so without fear of judgment, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Create a safe and supportive environment where your teen feels they can share their thoughts without being dismissed. Ask them open-ended questions, like:
- "How are you feeling?"
- "What have you been struggling with?"
- "Have you thought about suicide?"
These talks can be scary at first. But they can help your teen feel understood and less alone.
Validate Your Teen’s Emotions to Build Trust and Support:
In addition to talking openly, parents need to validate their teen’s emotions. Your teen's struggles may seem minor to you. But they are a big deal to them. Dismissing them as "not a big deal" can harm your trust. If your teen is suicidal, while you don’t agree with their thoughts of wanting to die, you can still acknowledge the intense feelings of hopelessness or pain that may be behind those thoughts.
Validating your teen's emotions creates a safe space. It lets them process their difficult feelings. This may help reduce suicidal thoughts over time. The goal is not to immediately fix everything but to let your teen know that their feelings are real and that you’re there to support them through it.
Monitor Behavioral Changes and Content Consumption for Early Warning Signs:
Monitoring your teen’s behavior is another way to stay attuned to what’s going on in their life. As their parent, you know them best and you know what kind of behavior is normal for them. Pay close attention to any shifts in their social circle, school performance, or other activities. If your teen is withdrawing from friends, it may be a warning sign. Other signs include irritability and giving away prized possessions. It's normal for teens to have mood swings. But, if they show significant changes in behavior, it could indicate a deeper issue. For example, they may become more isolated or lose interest in once-enjoyed activities. For introverted teens, some isolation may be normal. But, a shift in behavior is concerning. This is especially true if they engage with content about death or distressing themes.
Parents must monitor the content their children consume. This includes books, movies, social media, and other platforms. These can often provide insights into their mental state and what they might be preoccupied with. Keeping an eye on their interests and online activities can help identify if they are delving into darker subjects, signaling a need for closer attention and potentially professional help.
Support Resilience:
It's natural for parents to want to protect their kids from pain. But, it's important to let your teen struggle while providing support. Creating a safe space where they can face challenges helps them build the resilience they need to handle difficult situations in the future. Being there to support them, rather than rescuing them from every hardship, can teach them valuable coping skills. At the same time, keep checking in, even when things seem to be improving. Sometimes teens mask their struggles and might still need help even when they appear to be doing better.
By taking these steps, parents can help their teen with suicidal thoughts: open communication, validate emotions, monitor behavior, and allow space for growth. Staying aware of your teen’s mental health will help you to know if and when suicidal ideation treatment is necessary.
At Oasis Ascent, We Are Here to Support You Every Step of the Way.
Let's discuss your teen's needs and explore how our residential treatment program can help them reach their full potential.
Resources For Parents
It's daunting to figure out how to support your teen with suicidal thoughts. Luckily, you are not alone in this trial. There are many resources out there that have been created for people who are struggling with suicidal thoughts, and parents who have a child who is suicidal. There are many ways to receive support and guidance through this difficult time.
Suicide Prevention Resources
Many resources aim to help teens and their parents during a mental health crisis. They provide direct access to certified mental health professionals for guidance.
QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer): QPR is a life-saving technique. It teaches people to spot suicide warning signs, ask the right questions, and refer at-risk individuals to help. It's like how CPR helps in physical emergencies.
C-SSRS (Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale): The C-SSRS is a screening tool. It helps identify suicide risk by asking simple questions about suicidal thoughts and behaviors. It helps determine the severity of the risk and guides what kind of support or intervention is needed.
National Suicide Prevention Line: The suicide prevention line offers 24/7, free, confidential support for anyone in a mental health crisis. They can call 988 or use their text or chat feature.
Crisis Text Line: If someone is in a crisis, there is a text line where they can receive free, confidential 24/7 support. They can talk to someone by texting ‘HOME’ to 741741 or visiting https://www.crisistextline.org/.
SafeUT App: The SafeUT app is a free, confidential crisis chat and tip line. It connects students, parents, and educators with licensed counselors for real-time mental health support.
Therapy
Therapy can be a crucial part of helping your teen manage and overcome suicidal ideation by addressing underlying emotional struggles.
- DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy): A therapeutic approach designed to help teens regulate their emotions, manage distress, and reduce suicidal thoughts.
- Other Therapy Modalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Therapy, and other evidence-based approaches can also support teens in managing their mental health and building healthier coping mechanisms.
Community and School-Based Support
Your local community and your teen's school can be valuable resources for supporting and addressing mental health challenges.
- School Counselors: Many schools offer counseling services and have resources for students struggling with suicidal ideation. Reaching out to your teen's school can open up additional support options.
- Support Groups: Both in-person and online support groups (such as those on Facebook) can provide a sense of community and shared experiences for parents and teens alike.
Technological and Professional Support
Using technology and professional services can offer additional support to monitor your teen and ensure they receive the help they need.
- Content Monitoring Apps: There are apps available that can alert parents if their teen is sending or receiving alarming content, helping them stay aware of potential risks.
- Educational Consultants: Educational consultants are professionals who can guide families through finding the most suitable suicidal ideation treatment options for their teen’s needs.
- Short-Term Residential Treatment Centers: Programs like OASIS Ascent provide individualized, intensive suicidal ideation treatment in a safe and structured environment, helping teens work through their struggles and begin the healing process.
- Wraparound Services: For continued care, additional support options are available after your teen leaves the program, including long-term residential care or day treatment programs.
Parent and Program Resources
At OASIS Ascent, we believe that parents play an essential role in their teen’s healing journey. We offer resources to help guide you through the process.
- Tours of OASIS Ascent: Prospective parents are welcome to visit the facility, meet the team, and ask any questions about our program and services.
- Parent Testimonies: Hear directly from parents whose teens have attended OASIS Ascent. Their stories provide honest feedback and valuable insights into the healing process.
How OASIS Helps Teens Struggling with Suicidal Ideation
At OASIS Ascent, we prioritize the safety of teens with suicidal thoughts. We use a holistic approach to treat them.
This section outlines how OASIS provides support to teens (and their families) who are struggling with being suicidal:
- Crisis Stabilization: At OASIS Ascent, crisis stabilization is about providing immediate, expert care when your teen is facing the urgent, life-threatening reality of suicidal ideation. Our compassionate team quickly assesses and stabilizes teens, offering a secure, supportive environment where they can regain control of overwhelming emotions and harmful thoughts. Experienced therapists help teens develop coping strategies to manage distress while involving families in the recovery process. Crisis stabilization at OASIS is a critical step in ensuring safety, offering hope, and setting the foundation for long-term healing.
- Interdisciplinary Team Support: A dedicated interdisciplinary team works together to ensure comprehensive care for each teen. The team includes psychiatrists, APRNs, and nutritionists. They work together to improve the teen's mental, physical, and nutritional well-being. By integrating expertise from various fields, OASIS ensures that every facet of the teen’s health is considered, creating a holistic approach to suicidal ideation treatment that supports their overall recovery and long-term success.
- Medication Management: Medication is handled with great care, particularly for teens who are on multiple prescriptions. The program focuses on simplifying medication regimens through thorough evaluation and careful oversight. By streamlining the process and reducing unnecessary medications, OASIS aims to minimize the frustration often caused by the trial-and-error approach. This thoughtful management ensures that each teen receives the most effective suicidal ideation treatment, helping them achieve better outcomes and a smoother path to recovery
- Range of Therapeutic Methods: We understand that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all fix. Each teen who comes to OASIS Ascent has a different set of struggles and needs. Teens who come to OASIS for suicidal ideation treatment are offered a variety of therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). These therapies focus on helping teens develop essential coping skills, improve emotional regulation, effectively work through trauma, and enhance their problem-solving abilities.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Dialectical Behavior Therapy, is one of the best practices for managing suicidal thoughts and behaviors. It equips teens with tools to handle intense emotions and tough situations. It is a key component of the therapeutic process at OASIS Ascent, offering valuable tools for both teens and their parents. DBT teaches teens to manage their emotions. It helps them cope with life's challenges. This builds resilience and healthier emotional responses. Parents are actively involved in this learning process, ensuring they can support their teen’s continued progress once they return home. By equipping families with these tools, OASIS strengthens the support system around the teen, promoting long-term success and emotional well-being.
Family Involvement In the Treatment Process
At OASIS Ascent, we believe that healing extends beyond the individual—it involves the entire family unit. A crucial part of the suicidal ideation treatment process is ensuring that parents and families are actively engaged in their teen's journey. We understand that when teens return home, a supportive and positive environment is essential to sustaining the progress they’ve made. That’s why we work closely with families to help them build the tools they need to support their child’s long-term well-being.
- One of the key ways we involve families is through family therapy, where families can work through relational dynamics and learn how to foster healthier communication and boundaries.
- In addition, the Parent Support Group provides a space for parents to connect with other families who are facing similar challenges. This group offers emotional support, shared experiences, and expert guidance, empowering parents with strategies to better care for themselves and their teens.
- Parents get access to a parent portal, where they can receive regular updates on their child’s progress. This keeps families informed and ensures that they remain an integral part of the treatment process from start to finish.
By involving families in these ways, OASIS Ascent helps to create a strong foundation for both the teen and their family, fostering lasting change and deeper connections.
Next Steps For Suicidal Ideation Treatment
We understand how heartbreaking it is as a parent to see your child struggle with their mental health. Choosing to take action by getting them the treatment they need is a daunting but important step to take for the healing of your teen and your family.
Here’s how you can begin the process of admitting your teen to our program:
- Reach Out for a Consultation
The first step is to connect with us. Our admissions team is ready to listen and understand your teen’s unique situation. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about our program. - Complete the Admission Assessment
After your initial conversation, we will guide you through a detailed assessment to ensure that OASIS Ascent is the best fit for your teen’s needs. During this consultation, we will gather information about your teen's mental health history, current struggles, and any co-occurring conditions and family dynamics. Our team will work closely with you to make sure that the admission process is thorough and smooth. - Prepare for the Journey
After admission is confirmed, our staff will provide you with all the necessary information to prepare for your teen's stay at OASIS Ascent. We’ll assist with packing lists, travel arrangements, and any other logistics to ensure a seamless transition into treatment. - Stay Engaged Throughout the Process
As your teen begins their healing journey, you will be involved every step of the way. Through family therapy, support groups, and regular progress updates via our parent portal, you’ll remain a key part of the treatment process, helping to create a lasting foundation for recovery.
If your teen is in crisis and you’re ready to take the next steps toward treatment, contact us today. We’re here to help your family heal and provide the support your teen needs for a brighter future.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's a harmful misconception that teens who talk about suicide are only seeking attention. Any mention of suicidal thoughts is a serious cry for help and should always be taken seriously. Many individuals who complete suicide have previously shared their intent. Your most important job is to respond with empathy and concern. Asking direct questions like, "Have you thought about suicide?" can be lifesaving and will not plant the idea in their mind.
At OASIS Ascent, the safety and well-being of teens in crisis is our top priority. We provide a safe and secure environment where your child can receive the care and support they need. Our staff is trained to handle crisis situations and ensure the immediate safety of your teen.
Suicidal thoughts rarely occur alone and often signal an underlying mental health disorder, such as anxiety disorders or depressive disorders. While having a mood disorder is a risk factor, it doesn't mean suicide is inevitable. However, this connection highlights the vital need for a comprehensive approach to mental health care to identify and treat the underlying disorder, which in turn can reduce the risk of suicide.
We understand that treatment doesn't end when your teen leaves our residential program. Our mental health professionals work with your family to develop an aftercare plan for ongoing care and support. This may involve recommendations for outpatient therapy, medication management, or other mental health services. We are committed to ensuring that your teen has the necessary resources to continue their healing journey beyond our program.