First, you need to watch him all the time. No closed doors. Hide the knives. Seriously consider a hospitalization. Just because he talks to you doesn't mean he won't attempt suicide. I would interpret his "in two years" as a soft landing of saying "I am going to kill myself . . . any time." He is suicidal NOW. I agree with the others, this is a medical emergency.

It can be more difficult to find the right drug combo for teens that adults. This is another reason to consider hospitalization. Just getting him into therapy may not be enough to keep him safe.

Consider DBT, a form of therapy that is effective in many cases.

Anonymous wrote:We talk all the time and he opens up. He says he doesn't know why he feels so apathetic. We have other children as well who he loves and plays with. I know this is serious and he has an appt. I understand how serious this is and am taking it seriously. I was asking if any parents have any BTDT advice? From a parenting perspective. I know what I HAVE to do.

I do not have a 17 yo son but I have a 14 yo daughter. She is struggling through gender identity issues and has told me she has thought about suicide but it is not the answer for her "right now." When we heard that, we called the CrisisLink number and worked through a psychiatrist, a counselor, as well as the counselor at her school. We continue to see the doctor as well as the counselors to support her.

Anonymous wrote:Dominion Hospital in Northern Virginia 703.536.2000
Call your pediatrician.
Treat this as if your son has 106 fever.

+1

We talk all the time and he opens up. He says he doesn't know why he feels so apathetic. We have other children as well who he loves and plays with. I know this is serious and he has an appt. I understand how serious this is and am taking it seriously. I was asking if any parents have any BTDT advice? From a parenting perspective. I know what I HAVE to do.

I am not an expert, but, first take this boy away from his life online. Why? Because seeing all the postings about stuff other people are doing, makes their lives seem more interesting. Especially with FB.

Also, it could be SADD.

AND please, please get him therapy and medication.

Dominion Hospital in Northern Virginia 703.536.2000
Call your pediatrician.
Treat this as if your son has 106 fever.

Thank him for his brave honesty and get emergency help today.

OP, I agree with the above poster. He has a plan, said the magic words (I'm planning to kill myself...or some variation). The hopeful part here is that he told you. He trusts you. He wants help even if he doesn't admit it.

Anonymous wrote:I work at a psych hospital and see people like this everyday. If you can take him to a psychiatrist today do it. If you can't then take him to the ER. Please take this seriously. He says in 2 years but since he has actual plans to kill himself you need to take it seriously and it's an emergency!!!

If he refuses then tell him you'll call the police and get him taken to the hospital. He'll be pissed at you for a time but he'll be alive and can get help.

Anyone who announces a suicide attempt two years in advance is screaming for help.

He has to talk to someone, and so do you.

I work at a psych hospital and see people like this everyday. If you can take him to a psychiatrist today do it. If you can't then take him to the ER. Please take this seriously. He says in 2 years but since he has actual plans to kill himself you need to take it seriously and it's an emergency!!!

He needs a good child/teen psychiatrist and a psychologist to talk through his feelings. Where do you live? If you are in the Fairfax area, I recommend Child and Family Counseling.

If you are in Virginia, call the CrisisLink Regional Hotline at 703-527-4077

Where do you live? Call your social services department and ask for help.

My 17 year old son told me he is suicidal and depressed. He told me he plans to kill himself when he finishes high school (2 years). He recently came out too, which he claims has nothing to do with his depression. He says he feels hopeless, like he's not good at anything and sees nothing when he thinks of the future. I offered different modalities to help him, talking with someone, perhaps medications if recommended. He is declining. I'm not really sure how to help him as he is just not happy. He has a group of friends who come over every weekend but aside from them, he doesn't do anything. He never goes to their house, doesn't participate in any activities and essentially exists online. Any advice?