Youth in Crisis: What To Do When a Teen or Adolescent Wants To Hurt Themselves

This episode describes how to respond when a teen, adolescent or young adult says they want to hurt themselves or kill themselves. It's horrifying when someone as young as 12-20 years old says they want to take their own life. When a teen or young adult confesses thoughts of hurting themselves or even hints at a plan, panic often kicks in...but what you do next can mean the difference between life and tragedy. In this episode, Dr. Kibby describes how you can transform fear into effective, life-saving support. If you're a parent, clinician, educator, or anyone caring for at-risk youth, this episode will change your perspective on how to handle these terrifying moments with compassion, clarity, and confidence. In this honest conversation, you'll discover why traditional reactions often do more harm than good and how shifting from control to understanding can unlock trust and safety. Dr. Kibby shares insights from her nearly lifelong work with mental health crises as well as adolescent and family Dialectical Behavior Therapy expert Dr. Marcus Rodriguez. Drawing from what she learned from Dr. Rodriguez, she emphasizes the importance of treating the whole family and system instead of isolated individuals. You'll learn why vague answers from teens are actually a sign of trust-building, not apathy or indifference, and how impulsivity heightens the risk of dangerous behaviors that require immediate, delicate intervention. We break down practical, step-by-step frameworks for assessing suicidality, from asking direct questions about plans and access to means, to understanding the importance of safety measures like environment restriction and involving the support system. You’ll hear specific scripts designed to validate pain without validating harmful coping strategies, and how to balance genuine empathy with concrete safety protocols. The core message: you’re not just stopping a moment of crisis- you're working with the teen, their family, and their community, to understand their pain and help them find hope. Interpersonal triggers like breakups, bullying, and social rejection are particularly devastating for teens, and how they differ from adult experiences. Dr. Kibby describes how you can meet teens where they are, by respecting their vague answers, impulsive actions, and emotional intensity, and why working systemically is essential for lasting safety. Remember: Asking directly about suicide does not plant the idea; it saves lives. Whether you’re facing an immediate crisis or working to prevent one, this episode is your essential guide to understanding and intervening with care, respect, and hope. **Trigger warning:** Sensitive topics discussed include self-harm, suicidal ideation, and family trauma.If you’re involved with teens or young adults, or if you simply want to learn how to support someone in their darkest hour, this episode is a must-listen. Resources: - Parents, partners and other loved ones of people struggling with self harm and suicide, check out ⁠⁠KulaMind⁠⁠. Book a free call with Dr. Kibby to learn how she can help. - Adolescents, teens and families in California in crisis should learn about Dr. Rodriguez's Dialectical Behavior Therapy program at Youth and Family Institute