Family Resources
You Are Not Alone in This
Whether you're trying to recognize the warning signs in your teen, or navigating the aftermath of a suicide attempt — this page exists to give you clear, compassionate guidance and real steps forward.
If you or someone you love is in crisis right now: Call or text 988 — the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Recognize the Warning
Signs Your Teen Is Struggling
No single sign means your teen is in crisis — but if you notice several of these lasting more than a few days, trust your instincts and start a conversation. You know your child better than anyone.
Sudden Mood Changes
Extreme shifts between sadness, anger, irritability, or emotional numbness that last more than a few days.
Withdrawal & Isolation
Pulling away from friends, family, and activities they once enjoyed. Spending long stretches alone.
Sleep or Appetite Changes
Sleeping much more or much less than usual. Significant weight loss or gain, or loss of interest in eating.
Talk of Hopelessness
Saying things like "nothing matters," "I can't do this anymore," or expressing feeling trapped or like a burden.
Risky or Self-Harm Behavior
Cutting, reckless actions, substance use, or suddenly not caring about their own safety.
Giving Away Possessions
Suddenly giving away prized belongings or saying goodbye to people in ways that feel final.
Loss of Focus
A sharp drop in grades, trouble concentrating, or seeming "checked out" and distant.
Preoccupation with Death
Increased interest in death, dying, or suicide — in art, writing, social media, or conversation.
Start the Conversation
How To Talk To Your Loved One About Depression
Talking about depression is one of the hardest and most important things you can do. You don't need the perfect words — you need a willing heart, an open ear, and the courage to stay in the conversation even when it's uncomfortable.
Choose the Right Moment
Pick a quiet, private time when neither of you is rushed, angry, or exhausted. A car ride or a walk can sometimes feel safer than sitting face-to-face.
Lead with Love, Not Lectures
Start with what you've noticed — not a diagnosis. "I've noticed you seem really down lately, and I love you, so I wanted to check in."
Ask Directly
It is a myth that asking about suicide plants the idea. Asking directly — "Are you thinking about hurting yourself?" — can be a relief. They finally get to say it out loud.
Listen More Than You Speak
Resist the urge to fix, minimize, or compare. Say "tell me more about that." Let them feel heard without you jumping to solutions.
Validate, Don't Debate
Avoid "it's not that bad" or "other people have it worse." Instead try "that sounds really heavy" or "I'm glad you told me." Their pain is real even if you don't understand it yet.
Stay Calm
Your reaction sets the tone. If you panic, get angry, or break down, they may shut down to protect you. Breathe. You can fall apart later — right now, be their steady ground.
Don't Keep It a Secret
If they are in danger, safety comes before privacy. Involve a professional, a crisis line, or another trusted adult. Tell them: "I care about you too much to keep this to myself."
Follow Up — Again and Again
One conversation is not enough. Check in the next day, the next week, the next month. Consistency tells them you mean it when you say you're there.
"You don't have to have the answers. You just have to stay."
The most powerful thing you can say is often the simplest: "I'm here. I'm not going anywhere. We're going to get through this together."
The Path Forward
What To Do After a Suicide Attempt
The moments and days after an attempt are frightening and overwhelming. There is no perfect way through — but there are steps that help. Take them one at a time, and lean on the people and resources around you.
Ensure Immediate Safety
Stay with them. Remove or secure any means of harm (medications, weapons, sharp objects). If there is immediate danger, call 988 or 911 right away — do not leave them alone.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation. Physical health must be assessed first, and emergency staff can connect you with crisis resources.
Connect with Mental Health Professionals
Arrange follow-up with a therapist, psychiatrist, or crisis counselor as soon as possible. Ask the hospital for discharge referrals and a safety plan before leaving.
Create a Safety Plan Together
Work with a professional to write down warning signs, coping strategies, trusted contacts, and emergency numbers. Keep it somewhere your teen can easily find it.
Secure the Environment
Remove access to lethal means — lock up medications, firearms, and other potential hazards. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent another attempt.
Offer Steady, Non-Judgmental Support
Listen without lecturing. Let them know you love them and that this does not change how you see them. Avoid guilt, blame, or anger — your calm presence matters most.
Build a Support Network
Involve trusted family, school counselors, coaches, and friends. Your teen should not feel alone in this — and neither should you.
Take Care of Yourself
You cannot pour from an empty cup. Seek your own counseling, support group, or trusted people to talk to. Caring for a struggling teen is hard — you deserve support too.
"You did not cause this. You cannot control it. But you can be part of the healing."
Healing is not linear. There will be hard days and better ones. What matters most is that your teen knows you are there — steady, present, and unashamed of them.
Caregiver Support
Need a Helping Hand?
If you are caring for a loved one experiencing suicidal thoughts, self-harm, severe depression, or a mental health crisis, you don't have to carry it alone. Beyond The Noise Foundation offers confidential caregiver support assistance — from respite care and counseling to emergency household expenses and more.
Request AssistanceFind Help Near You
Local Resources & Support
In honor of National Suicide Prevention Month, we've gathered trusted local organizations in the communities Beyond The Noise Foundation calls home. Reach out — these groups are ready to help.
Mt. Vernon & Westchester County, NY
Serving the New York metro area where our founders began.
NAMI Westchester
Free support groups, education, and a helpline. Includes a virtual Survivors of Suicide Loss group (3rd Monday monthly) and Family-to-Family classes.
Helpline (914) 592-5458
The Guidance Center of Westchester
Mental Health & Substance Use Urgent Care offering walk-in crisis support and counseling.
256 Washington St, Mt. Vernon, NY · 1-888-TGCW-CAN
Westchester Crisis Prevention & Response Team
24/7 mobile crisis support for anyone experiencing a psychological emergency.
(914) 925-5959
Westchester County Suicide Prevention Coalition
Local coalition advancing suicide prevention, awareness, and post-loss support across the county.
westchestercountysuicideprevention.org
Wilmington, NC
Our home base — where Beyond The Noise Foundation was born.
NAMI Wilmington
Free family and peer support groups, education, and advocacy. Virtual NAMI Family Support Group meets monthly.
namiwilmington.org
AFSP North Carolina
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention — evidence-based programs, community events, and loss support across the state.
afsp.org/chapter/north-carolina
VA Wilmington Health Care — Suicide Prevention
Dedicated suicide prevention coordinators helping veterans access ongoing therapy and support.
va.gov/wilmington-health-care
NCDHHS Suicide Prevention Resources
Statewide crisis services, the 988 Lifeline, and Hope4NC support lines.
Call or text 988
Fayetteville, NC
Honoring the community that shaped our founders.
NAMI Cumberland, Harnett & Lee Counties
Peer-based mutual support groups and education, including Youth Suicide Prevention programming.
namichl.org
Cumberland County Mental Health
Confidential 90-minute peer support groups open to anyone affected by mental health conditions.
naminc.org/venue/cumberland-county-mental-health
Cumberland County Public Health — 988 Outreach
County-wide awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, free and confidential 24/7.
co.cumberland.nc.us
Fort Bragg ASAP
September Suicide Prevention Month resources and support for the military community and their families.
Suicide Crisis Line 1-877-476-7734
NC Peer Warmline
24/7 peer support from someone who has been there — a calm, non-clinical listening ear.
855-733-7762
If you don't see your area listed, call or text 988 anytime — the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline connects you to local help anywhere in the United States.
Where To Turn
