Thoughts of suicide can affect anyone at any time. Often, people thinking about suicide will have experienced a stressful event associated with a feeling of loss. Events and experiences have different meanings and a different significance to each person – some people may feel able to cope whilst others may feel suicidal.
There are young people who may be more vulnerable to experiencing thoughts of suicide including those who have been bereaved, young people with mental health problems, people who have experienced or are experiencing abuse, young people in the care system and those from the LGBTQ+ communities. Suicide may become an option for a young person to regain some control in their life, or as a way to escape a painful situation or experience.
It can be distressing to learn that a loved one, family member or friend is feeling suicidal. Remember those thoughts of suicide are common, with 1 in 4 young people experiencing thoughts of suicide at some point. It’s really brave for someone to open up and talk about feeling suicidal.
There is help available and knowing that someone is struggling gives you the opportunity to support them. It is important to listen to the person and understand the reasons they are feeling suicidal in order to support them to move forward.
Some signs include but are not limited to:
- Withdrawing from friends, family, responsibilities, commitments and previously enjoyed activities.
- Low mood and or irritability which is uncharacteristic.
- Uncharacteristically reckless behaviour.
- Disinterest in maintaining personal hygiene or appearance.
- Poor diet changes, rapid weight changes.
- Appearing distracted or agitated.
- Poor sleep.
- Alcohol or drug misuse.
- Expressing or appearing hopeless; failing to see a future or appearing to give up or be disinterested in their hopes, dreams, goals or ambitions.
- Believing they are a burden to others.
- Saying they feel worthless or alone.
- Talking about death or wanting to die
Below are some recommended steps to take if a young person is in crisis or makes a disclosure of self-harm or suicidal intent.
