The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a structured expressive writing program can help reduce suicidal thoughts in adolescents and young adults who have experienced suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, or self-harm. The study will include participants aged 13 to 24 years who are receiving mental health care or have recently been identified as being at risk for suicide.
The main questions the study aims to answer are:
* Does a structured expressive writing program lower suicidal thoughts compared with usual care alone?
* Does the program improve depression, impulsivity, and self-esteem?
Researchers will compare participants who receive the expressive writing program together with treatment as usual to participants who receive treatment as usual alone.
Participants will:
* Be randomly assigned to one of two groups: a writing program group or a usual care group
* Complete questionnaires about mood, suicidal thoughts, and well-being at the start of the study, after 4 weeks, and after 8 weeks
* If assigned to the writing program group, complete guided writing activities several times per week for 4 weeks. Each writing session will take about 15 to 20 minutes and will focus on understanding emotions, personal experiences, relationships, and meaning in difficult experiences.
Researchers will study whether this writing program is a helpful and practical way to support young people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress.