Please be aware of some of the warning signs and risk factors of suicide. Here’s some do’s and don’ts which might help you, or someone you know:
- Do be open and honest with your teen – keep communication open
- Don’t be judgemental or say ‘get over it’ (an issue you think is small might be insurmountable to your teen)
- Do be aware if your teen withdraws
- Do watch for signs of self-harm
- Do be vigilant for changes in your child’s ‘normal’ behaviours
- Do watch the behaviours of your child’s friendship circles
- Do evaluate any signs of bullying or cyberbullying
- Do approach authorities, the school and/or Police
- Do take your child to a Counsellor
- Do not think your child (or anyone for that matter) is attention seeking if they speak of suicide
- Do watch out for your child engaging in dangerous or high-risk behaviours (often this happens in the hope that death will occur)
- Do not be afraid to ask if he or she is thinking about suicide, or is depressed
- Do not leave the person alone
- Do ask your teen to give you any weapons, objects etc which may cause them harm
Don’t leave your teen alone
It has been posited that a social causality to suicidality might be the breakdown in our communities and the silo effect this has left us, with little or no support. Therefore, it is important to have these difficult conversations. If you think someone may be having suicidal thoughts, talk to them and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t leave them alone and ensure they have no access to sharp objects, drugs, medications, or a car.
Never promise to keep it a secret because they need professional help. Have them promise they’ll tell you or another adult if they are feeling like this again. Having them see a doctor for mental health assessment will help, as well developing a suicide safety plan. Beyond Blue (2022) has an online safety plan which can be developed and printed or emailed.
In an emergency call triple zero (000).
Resources and Suicide support
- Call Lifeline (24-hour crisis support) on 13 11 14 or chat online.
- Contact the Suicide Call Back Service (phone and online counselling) — 1300 659 467.
- Kids Helpline offers online and phone counselling to young people aged 5 to 25 — call 1800 55 1800 or chat online.
- Beyond Blue provides information, counselling and support for mental health — call 1300 22 4636 or chat online.
- Beyond Now is a phone app that helps a person stay safe when experiencing suicidal thoughts.
State- and territory-based services
- ACT Mental Health Triage Crisis and Assessment Team 1800 629 354
- NSW NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511
- NT Northern Territory Mental Health Line 1800 682 288
- QLD 13 HEALTH 13 43 25 84
- SA Mental Health Assessment and Crisis Intervention Service 13 14 65
- TAS Mental Health Services Helpline 1800 332 388
- VIC The Royal Melbourne Hospital Mental Health Service (03) 9342 7000
- WA Mental Health Emergency Response Line 1300 555 788
Want more information? Dr Maguire’s book Selfies, sexting, suicide and savagery: Welcome to the era of narcissism was released in 2017. You can order by email. Want a Now Generation consultant to speak at your conference, school, organisational masterclass? Contact Lynette
