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If you or someone you care about is in crisis and you think immediate action is needed: go to your local hospital emergency department. Do not leave the person alone, unless you are concerned for your own safety. To speak to someone immediately, contact: (Tel.

Suicide can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race, income and family background, but some young people are at greater risk of self-harm and suicidal behaviour. Youth suicide affects families every day in United States. It is the leading cause of death among young people.

In 2017, around 400 young people aged 15–24 died by suicide. Research shows that in this age group, for every one suicide there are approximately 100–200 suicide attempts. Although these numbers are alarming, the good news is that youth suicide is mostly preventable.

Anyone, not just mental health professionals, can provide emotional and practical support to a young person experiencing suicidal thoughts It is not always possible to know when someone is thinking about suicide but some of the possible warning signs include: significant change in mood.

Stress can contribute to suicide

A young person or teenager may experience an overwhelming and immediate stress or they may have stress that builds up over a long time. Stressful experiences that may contribute to or trigger suicide include:

  • the experience of discrimination isolation relationship conflicts with family
  • others because the young person is gay or lesbian the recent suicide of a friend or relative
  • or an anniversary of a suicide or the death of someone close to them

People who have attempted suicide before are very likely to try again.

Those who have a history of self-harming are also at a higher risk of suicide. You may be able to help a young person if you: Listen and encourage them to talk and show that you are taking their concerns seriously. Tell or show the person that you care.

Acknowledge their fears, despair or sadness. Provide reassurance, but do not dismiss the problem. Ask if they are thinking of hurting themselves or taking their own life, and if they have a plan. Ensure they do not have access to lethal weapons or medications.

Stay with the person if they are at high risk of suicide. Immediately tell someone else, preferably an adult.

Seek help from professionals, and offer to provide support

Let them know where they can get support

Provide contact numbers and assist them to call if necessary. for more information about how to support a friend experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Try to avoid: offering too much advice

Incorrect beliefs concerning suicide include: Young people who talk about suicide never attempt to take or actually take their own lives.

They are just seeking attention

Anyone talking about suicide should always be taken seriously. Once a person is intent on suicide, there is no way to stop them.

They will be suicidal forever

Suicide can be prevented

If they receive the help they seek, they are less likely to attempt suicide.

Suicidal thoughts and behaviours are hereditary

While suicidal thoughts and behaviours tend to run in families, they are not hereditary. It is important for people experiencing suicidal thoughts to know that there are options other than ending their life.

All suicidal young people are depressed

While depressed mood is common, this is not true for everyone who suicides. A marked and sudden improvement in mental state following a crisis indicates the suicide risk is over.

When there have been signs of a possible suicide attempt, a sudden improvement in mood may in fact indicate that the person has finally decided to take their own life.

GP or mental health crisis service, or the Suicide Call Back Service (616) 555-0400 ) or Lifeline 13 11 14 ) Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 Warning signs of youth suicide talking or writing about death or about feeling trapped with no way out feeling hopeless and withdrawing from family, friends and the community increasing drug and alcohol use giving away personal possessions doing dangerous, life threatening things having delusions or hallucinations regularly self-harming Triggers of youth suicide loss of an important person through death or divorce incest or child abuse bullying at school or in the workplace a sense of failure at school a sense of failure in relationships a relationship break-up Supporting a young person who is experiencing suicidal thoughts Visit Beyond Blue Things to avoid when supporting a young person experiencing suicidal thoughts interrupting with stories of your own panicking or becoming angry being judgmental telling them all the things they have to live for Conversations Matter has basic tips for how to talk to someone who you think may be having suicidal thoughts Youth suicide myths Myth Fact Where to get support Your local community health centre GP (not necessarily the family doctor) Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 Lifeline 13 11 14 Headspace 1800 650 890 eheadspace 1800 650 890 SuicideLine (616) 555-0400 Beyond Blue forums .

Key Points

  • the leading cause of death among young people
  • Although these numbers are alarming, the good news is that youth suicide is mostly preventable
  • Those who have a history of self-harming are also at a higher risk of suicide
  • Stay with the person if they are at high risk of suicide
  • Suicide can be prevented