Coping With Teen Suicide

Thousands of people take their own lives in Australia every year, with reported suicide numbers likely 15-20% lower than actual rates.

Some scary statistics.  In 2015, 3027 Australians take their own lives.  That is nearly 10 people per day.  The most prolific age group for suicide is Males aged 85 and over (40% of suicides in Australia).

Of those 3017 people, 11% are in the 15 – 19 year age range.  It might seem comparatively low, but these teenagers haven’t yet lived their lives.

But these people aren’t just statistics. They’re brothers, sisters, daughters, sons, grandchildren and friends. There’s no single reason why these kids died, and there’s no single person at fault. However, in many cases, these deaths could have been prevented with more awareness, and more understanding, about how suicidal thoughts can affect young people, and what can be done about them.

The Teenage Years

There’s no denying that being a teenager can be a hard slog. For one, there’s the puberty, hormonal changes and brain developments. On top of that, there’s a negotiation of newfound independence, responsibilities, peer relationships, sexual identity and (now) social media. Kids aren’t fully mature, but they’re often making decisions that impact their entire future, so it’s no surprise that things can feel overwhelming.

In many cases, being a teenager is about negotiating a few growing pains. However, for some teens, there are certain aspects of their lives that might put them at more risk of self-harm and suicide. These are things like their sexual orientation, their parents’ marriage status, their history of physical or sexual abuse, their family history of mental illness, their experiences with bully, their self-esteem, and their potential drug and alcohol abuse.

Suicide is complex. It’s rarely the result of one incident; instead, it is a build-up of factors over time culminating in a sense of helplessness.

In 2011, Kids Helpline supported almost 4,500 young people dealing with self-harm and more than 7,500 young people who were thinking about suicide. who were thinking about planning, or attempting suicide. However, these numbers only represent the people who did seek help, and many do not.

Some kids feel ashamed or embarrassed to admit they’re having suicidal thoughts. Others might have spoken to someone previously about their suicidal thoughts and not been taken seriously or had their privacy and confidentiality violated. Still, more might just not know where, or who, to turn to.

Statistics are sketchy as many cases are unreported. However, studies have shown that between 25% and 50% of our teenagers have had suicidal thoughts at some time.

Spotting Red Flags

It’s difficult to know for sure if someone is thinking about suicide, but there are signs you can look out for. These include the following:

• Self-harming
• Alcohol and substance abuse
• Withdrawing from friends
• Losing interest in activities
• Giving away possessions
• No longer caring about appearance
• A sudden behavioral change

About 80% of people who go through with suicide have flagged their intent.

Offering A Helping Hand

If you think someone is contemplating suicide, don’t be afraid to ask. While it might be difficult to ask a direct question like “Are you thinking about suicide?”, it shows you care. An unambiguous question can open a line of communication and tells the person you’re concerned about that you’re willing to listen.

Teenagers who are thinking about taking their life often feel isolated. Making the effort to reach out and listen to their worries and concerns – without judging them – can make a difference.

It’s important not to dismiss the teenager’s concerns but to hear them out and acknowledge the way they feel.

Even when a teenager is facing a difficult time, the risk of suicide is lower when they have:

• A positive self-esteem
• A sense of connection to the people around them
• A strong network of family and friends who support them
• Access to support, and the ability to ask for help

Thoughts of suicide should always be taken seriously.

If the teenager is not in immediate danger, encourage them to seek help. Make an appointment with your doctor, psychologist or psychiatrist. A professional can assess and treat their condition and help them learn strategies to combat the black dog when it starts to take over.

If you’re concerned about the teenager’s immediate safety, don’t leave them alone. Ensure they’re in a safe environment without access to knives, firearms or drugs that they could use to hurt themselves and seek help.

In crisis situations, help is available from Lifeline (13 11 14), Emergency Services (000), and your local hospital’s emergency department.

Staying Alert

People who have attempted suicide once often try again, so when the immediate danger has passed, it’s important to keep watching for signs.

If you’re the teenager’s parent or guardian, speak to your doctor about what to do if there’s another incident. Having a plan in place will help you remain calm in a crisis. You might also want to speak to the teenager’s school or workplace so they’re aware of the situation and know how to manage it.

Looking after yourself

When someone thinks about or attempts suicide, it reverberates across their friends and family. Supporting someone who is suicidal is hard, and while these young people need support, it takes its toll.

Therefore, it’s important that the teenager’s parents, siblings, and friends are open and honest about what they’re dealing with and how they’re coping. To help them through, they’ll each need a network of friends and family standing behind them and offering a shoulder to lean on.

Information and Support

If you know someone who is at risk of suicide, help is available from:

• Your doctor
• Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
• Lifeline: 13 11 14

For more information on mental illness visit:

• beyondblue
• Black Dog Institute
• ReachOut
• Inpatient Drug Rehab

“If you become concerned about any symptoms please seek immediate medical attention we have some important hotlines and suggested websites for further information.