My Teenager Took an Overdose: How Do I Handle it?

Finding out your teenager has taken an overdose is deeply distressing. You may feel shocked, frightened, or unsure what to do next. Whatever the circumstances, there are practical steps you can take to support your child and get the right help in place.

Seek medical advice straight away

If your teenager has taken an overdose and has not already received medical attention, call 999 if there is any immediate risk to life. If the situation is less urgent but still concerning, contact NHS 111 or a doctor as soon as possible. Even if the overdose seems minor or your child appears fine, some substances, particularly paracetamol, can cause serious harm that only becomes apparent hours or days later.

If your teenager was treated at A&E or admitted to hospital, medical staff may have started the process of assessment and follow up care. However, a referral to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) is not automatic. You may need to ask about this directly or follow up with your GP to ensure it happens.

If no referral has been made, speak to your GP. They can assess your teenager and make an appropriate referral if needed. You can attend the appointment with your child, or go alone if they refuse to come. The GP will still be able to offer guidance and note what has happened in their medical records.

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Understand what help is available

An overdose often signals underlying distress. This might relate to depression, anxiety, difficulties at school, problems with relationships, bullying, trauma, or pressure they have not spoken about. Your teenager may not be able to explain why they did it, and that is not unusual.

CAMHS provides mental health support for young people up to the age of 18. Waiting times vary depending on your area. In the meantime, charities such as Young Minds, Papyrus, and Childline offer support for teenagers and parents. The Samaritans are available around the clock on 116 123.

If a GP believes your teenager may benefit from medication, such as antidepressants, this will usually be discussed carefully and monitored closely. Treatment plans vary significantly depending on individual circumstances, and talking therapies are often considered first or alongside medication.

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Talk to your teenager

Your instinct may be to ask questions or stay more attentive to their activities. This is understandable, but try to give them space to talk when they are ready.

Let them know you are there without pressuring them to explain themselves. Avoid expressing anger or frustration, even if that is what you feel. A calm, steady presence can make it easier for them to open up over time.

It can help to agree on small, practical things. How will they let you know if they are struggling? Who else do they feel comfortable talking to? Some teenagers find it easier to speak to someone outside the family, such as a school counsellor or youth worker.

Look after yourself as well

Supporting a teenager through something like this takes a toll. You do not need to manage everything alone.

Speaking to your own GP can be useful, both for your mental health and to get advice on supporting your child. Organisations such as Family Lives and Young Minds also offer guidance for parents. Talking to someone you trust, whether a friend, family member, or counsellor, can help you process what has happened.

Recovery takes time and setbacks can happen. With the right support, many teenagers do go on to manage their mental health and move forward.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Teen Work Rules Checker lets you check what work your teenager can legally do: the minimum age for different jobs, how many hours they can work, rest breaks and where pubs, kitchens and shops fit in. Try it now →