Let this be your gentle suicide and bullying guide help you navigate through the storm. Just like your child is never alone with you, we will not leave you to handle this threat alone. Depression thrives in the dark. The way you shine the light is through talking about the most guarded thoughts your child has. Do not be afraid to talk with a counselor at school, licensed therapist, or your child’s pediatrician about what your child is experiencing. 

Start With Love & Openness

“There’s something important I want to talk about—because I love you. And no matter what, I’m here to help you feel safe and supported.” Let them know that you came across this suicide and bullying guide and you just want to talk with them about it. If they act like you are crazy, or if they think you think they are “crazy,” be honest with them and tell them that crazy has nothing to do with it. Real people experience these very real problems and you want them to know how to handle it and that they can always come to you. That you will always solve problems, and build hope, together.

Gentle Questions That Open the Door

• “Have you ever heard someone talk about suicide at school or online?”

• “Have you ever felt really overwhelmed or sad and didn’t know how to explain it?”

• “Do you ever feel like no one understands what you’re going through?”

• “Has anyone hurt you with words, online or in person?”

What to Say If They Share Something Heavy

“Thank you for telling me. I am so proud of you.”
“That sounds like a really big storm. Did you know that storms always pass. This one will, too and we will get through it together.”
“I cannot explain everything, but I know for sure that this world needs who you were meant to be.”

How to Normalize Emotional Pain While Using the Bullying Guide

“All feelings are okay. Even the messy ones. Feeling sad or scared doesn’t mean you’re broken—it just means you’re human.”

“It’s okay to feel lost sometimes. You’re never alone on this journey. You have me! This is why people make things like a bullying guide because so many people deal with this.”

“Pain is nothing to be ashamed of. Let’s talk about it.”

End With This Promise

“No matter what happens, you can talk to me. You will never be in trouble for being honest.”

“There is nothing you could ever say or do that would make me not love you. Ever.”

“I am so proud of you. You’re stronger than you think. And we’re going to make it through this storm together.”

This is Make A Way, so we have to remind you of the power of books when it comes not only to problem-solving, but the ability to see beyond today. Please check out the books we publish and read them together as a family to keep the conversation going. Find more help on the subject of kids and mental health here.

We are dedicating our stories and our work to helping families understand the power of mindset and mental health. Make A Way Mindset helps adults with mental health and the K Club helps kids, boys and girls, with understanding how to care for their mental health needs from an early age. A lot of what Make A Way Mindset does and the monthly K Club materials delivered straight to you are FREE! Your child can use the monthly guides on their own or you can use them in a group such as your church, a friend party or in the classroom. Please help us spread the word! Take care of your mental health. We are here to help!