Topic: Suicide Prevention
Description
Suicide rarely happens without some warning, but it is often only when looking back that these signs become apparent. Learning how to recognise the signs and take them seriously can help to reduce the risk of suicide. Most young people who attempt suicide have mental health problems, especially depression. While all of us feel sad or unhappy at some time, when young people are depressed, they may feel hopeless or in despair. Young people who are depressed may feel like they are 'losers' and have little confidence. They may see themselves as powerless and unable to improve their situation. However, depression can be treated. Not all young people with depression are suicidal, and not all young people who attempt suicide are depressed. However, if young people are depressed, they should always be assessed for suicide risk. Young people with mental health problems may be more vulnerable to stresses such as:
- Feared or confirmed pregnancy;
- Trouble with school or the police;
- Family conflict or domestic violence;
- Using drugs or alcohol to help them cope.
- Recent break up with girlfriend or boyfriend; and/or being a victim of sexual or other abuse (now or past).
Misuse of alcohol or other drugs can increase the risk of self-harm, including suicide attempts or completion. Suicide may take one life, but it affects whole communities. It is a human tragedy, especially when it involves the lives of young people.
What are the signs of suicide risk?
Many factors are linked to youth suicide. Knowing about some of the warning signs may help people intervene sooner. These may include:
- Withdrawal from friends;
- Giving away personal possessions;
- Recent suicide of a friend or relative;
- Expressing feelings of hopelessness;
- Decline in school work and attendance;
- Death or suicide themes dominating written or creative work;
- Loss of an important person through death or separation;
- Expressing feelings of worthlessness, letting parents or other down or being a burden; and/or
- Statements showing suicidal ideas or thoughts about death such as "I wish I was dead", "No one cares if I live or die" and "Does it hurt to die?"
Early Recognition
What family and friends can do to help
Although it is common for young people to be defensive and resist help, most are relieved when someone expresses genuine concern. Support and constructive assistance can come from many sources. Assistance from professionals is much more effective if a network of support is also available from family and friends. It is important to take suicide threats seriously. Do not assume the situation will get better by itself. Young people can be helped. Sometimes a young person may tell you their suicide plans in confidence. However, their life is more important than keeping a secret. Getting professional help may save a life. Most young people are relieved to have someone intervene. Listed below are some strategies that can help:
- Allow the young person time to talk about their situation and feelings. If possible, arrange for a time and place free of interruptions;
- Convey a message of hope and support;
- Avoid offering too much advice;
- Do not trivialise the concerns of the young person. Their perspective may be very different;
- Be honest about your concerns and feelings and try to discuss them calmly;
- Be prepared to ask if they are thinking about hurting or killing themselves;
- Do not promise to keep secret any threat of suicide;
- Take any talk of self-harm or suicide seriously;
- Stay with the young person if you think there is an immediate risk of self harm or suicide;
- Suggest that the young person receives assistance as soon as possible;
- Be prepared to help them make and keep contact with professional assistance; and
- Presenting alternatives to suicide and affirming the worth of a young person can assist them to feel less alone and hopeless.
How to get help
If young people have persistent and immediate thoughts about hurting themselves or wanting to die, they need urgent help. See your family doctor, call an ambulance or go to the nearest hospital. Your local doctor can also help with a referral to another support agency.
Services
- Alcohol and Drug Information Service - Free confidential counselling and information service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Phone 1800 177 833.
- Association of Relatives and Friends of the Mentally Ill - Support and information for significant other/s of those affected by mental illness. Call their head office on (07)3254 1881 or see www.arafmi.qld.gov.au for local support groups.
- Child and Youth Mental Health Service (CYMHS) - CYMHS offers more specialised assessment and to those children and young people under 18 years who display signs of serious and/or complex mental health problems. Those over the age of 18 years may be seen by an adult mental health service. For your local clinic, look under Health in the White Pages telephone directory or try 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)
- Community Action for the Prevention of Suicide - Not for-profit association that aims to provide a practical nonclinical support service to coordinate care, attention and support for people at risk of suicide, those who are concerned for someone at risk, and the children of someone at risk. Phone 3870 8359 or see www.caps.org.au.
- Indigenous Youth Health Service - Provides assistance on all health issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth. Phone: (07) 3393 0055 during business hours.
- Kids Help Line - Free national telephone counselling for children and young people 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Phone 1800 55 1800.
- Lifeline - Free counselling and support, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Phone 13 11 14.
- Parentline - Counselling and support for parents, available 8am - 10pm, seven days a week. Phone 1300 30 1300.
- Queensland Transcultural Mental Health Service - Provides mental health assistance and information to people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Phone (07) 3167 8333 during business hours.
- SANE Australia - National charity aimed at enhancing mental health through campaigning, education and research. Phone 1800 187 263.
- Standby Response Service (North Brisbane) - 24 hour crisis response service for those in the Brisbane North area who have been bereaved by suicide, including access to support programs and resources. Phone 0438 150 180 or (07) 3624 2400.
- Suicide Call Back Service - Free nation-wide telephone support service for those displaying suicidal behaviour, carers of those at risk and those bereaved by suicide. Phone: 1300 659 467.
- Young Carer's Program - Free counselling and support for young people (up to 25 years) in a care giving role.
Phone 1800 242 636 or see www.carersqld.asn.au
Websites
- www.beyondblue.org.au National, independent, not for profit organisation working to address issues associated with depression, anxiety and related substance disorders.
- www.copmi.net.au Information and resources for children, young people, families and service providers assisting families affected by parental mental illness.
- www.counsellingonline.org.au Counselling via text interaction for information and support for those seeking help with their own drug use or use by a friend or family member.
- www.headspace.org.au Website for the National Youth Mental Health Foundation, which aims to support Australian young people with mental health and related problems.
- www.health.qld.gov.au/mentalhealthQueensland Mental Health Branch website developed for the community, service providers, non-government organisations, consumers, carers and families, providing information on mental health and related issues and initiatives.
- www.health.qld.gov.au/mhcarer Queensland Health website for information and support for those caring for someone with a mental illness.
- www.kidshelp.com.au Kids Help Line online counselling available for young people.
- www.livingisforeveryone Australian government suicide prevention strategy website.
- www.opendoors.net.au Up-to-date information and resources for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people, including direct email links to workers.
- www.reachout.com.au Interactive forum for young people to access support and assistance.
- www.somazone.com.au Information for young people about health and well-being issues.
- www.suicidepreventionstudies.org Provides information and resources to help young people with suicidal and self-harm behaviours, and the people who care for them.
This fact sheet was updated in April 2009 by the Child and Youth Mental Health Service of the Royal Children's Hospital, Children's Health Service District, Brisbane, to raise awareness and provide information to families, young people and community members. This and others fact sheets in the series can be downloaded from:
www.health.qld.gov.au/rch/families/cymhs.asp
Acknowledgements
This fact sheet was in part based on content from The Family Health Kit (NSW Health, 2002).
Disclaimer
Information in this fact sheet is intended as a guide only. Although every effort was made at the time of printing to ensure the accuracy of information, Queensland Health does not accept responsibility for changes in service details. Queensland Health accepts no responsibility for the way in which this Fact Sheet is used. In addition, quality of service provision is the responsibility of individual service providers.
Last Updated: 15th September, 2009
Date Valid to: 15th February, 2010
