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How to Talk to Young People About Suicide

Story by Chad Whitehead – AKKF Mental Health Camp Clinician and Credentialed Mental Health Nurse.

Trigger warning: this post contains information about suicide which you may find disturbing. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please reach out for help. There are many resources available, including Lifeline: 13 11 14.

Throughout my 6 years in the mental health industry, I have spoken about suicide more times than I can remember. I have spoken with people about their most tightly held secrets and their deepest fears – the things that form a proverbial lump in their throat or inflict a gripping feeling in their chest.

It’s hard to imagine that these dark thoughts could creep into the mind of a young person, but yes, it happens more often than we would like to think.

In Australia, suicide is the leading cause of death for young people aged 15-24, and every year around 300 young people die by suicide. For me, as I’m sure it is for you, that’s 300 too many.

As a registered nurse specialising in mental health, I have too often observed how pervasive and persistent suicidal thoughts can be, the agonising emotional pain and the all-consuming feelings of depression.

What can we do about it, you might ask? Well, in my experience raising awareness of the issue, providing support to those who are struggling, and making sure that young people have access to mental health literacy and care is key.

So how do we talk to a young person about suicide, or about losing a loved one to suicide?

The important thing is to be open and honest.

Here are some tips:

  • Start by asking the young person what they know about suicide. This will help you gauge their understanding of the topic and what they need to know.
  • Use age-appropriate language. Be honest and direct but avoid using graphic or upsetting language.
  • Answer the young person’s questions honestly. Don’t sugarcoat things or try to protect them from the truth.
  • Be patient and understanding. This is a lot for a young person to process, so give them time to ask questions and express their feelings.
  • Reassure the young person that they are not alone. Let them know that there are people who care about them and want to help.
  • Encourage the young person to talk to a trusted adult if they are feeling sad or hopeless. This could be a parent, teacher, counsellor, or other adult they trust.
  • You can also use resources like the Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) or Lifeline (13 11 14) to help you talk to your young person about suicide.

In my work as a Mental Health Camp Clinician with the Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation, my job is to talk to young people impacted by family mental illness about mental health, and educate them on its impacts, as well as tools they can access and use if they ever want to reach out for support.

During camp chat groups we often talk about warning signs, and what to look out for if someone is having a possible mental health issue or suicidal thoughts.

Noella Ennis, Head of Clinical Services at the Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation asks that adults be vigilant and observant for these warning signs of suicide in young people:

  • Talking about wanting to die or feeling hopeless.
  • Talking about feeling like a burden to others.
  • Increased risk-taking behaviours, such as reckless driving or substance abuse.
  • Changes in mood, such as becoming suddenly withdrawn or angry.
  • Changes in sleep patterns, such as sleeping too much or too little.
  • Changes in eating habits, such as losing or gaining a lot of weight.
  • Giving away prized possessions.
  • Making preparations for death, such as writing a will or saying goodbye to loved ones.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please reach out for help. There are many resources available, including:

  • Lifeline: 13 11 14
  • Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
  • Headspace: 1800 650 890

If you are concerned about a young person who may be thinking about suicide, please reach out for help. There is help available, and you don’t have to go through this alone.

Suicide is a serious issue, but it is one that can be prevented. By talking to our young persons about suicide and being aware of the warning signs, we can help save lives.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, please call 000.

References for the above information on Australian youth suicide facts:

 

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