When you start to suspect or discover your child is struggling with suicidal thoughts, it’s easy to feel devastated, confused, hopeless — or all of the above. Whatever feelings you are experiencing are completely valid, but before you fall into a spiral of self-defeating thoughts like, “Where did I go wrong?,” it’s important to understand suicide is complex and kids can (and do) struggle with suicidal thoughts sometimes.

According to licensed professional counselor Justin Henderson, Ph.D., it’s helpful to know some of the typical “warning signs” a child or teen might be considering suicide.

Source: 8 Gentle Ways to Ask Your Child If They’re Considering Suicide