Suicidal feelings
Nearly everyone has times when they feel very down and can't see a way out, but for a few these feelings are so deep and intense they may lead to attempts to end their life. A very depressed person can feel so intensely negative about life that they cannot see the point in carrying on.
Due to the number of changes they are going through, both hormonally and in terms of life events, young people can be particularly vulnerable to feeling suicidal.
They can feel very scared of the future, anxious about career and academic pressures, overwhelmed by worries about personal relationships and sexuality, and can feel pressurised by peers into risk-taking behaviour or drug and alcohol abuse.
Young people who lack support and the practical experience to solve problems can sometimes feel no-one will be able help them and that killing themselves is the best way out.
The risk of suicide is higher when a young person:
- Is depressed, or when they have a serious mental illness
- Is using drugs or alcohol when they are upset
- Has tried to kill themselves a number of times before
- Has planned for a while about how to die without being saved
- Has a relative or friend who tried to kill themselves.
If a young person gets the help and treatment they need, the risk of suicide can be greatly reduced. If you suspect that a young person is feeling suicidal, it is extremely important to talk to them about it and try to get professional help.
If a young person has attempted suicide you should call emergency services immediately such as Accident & Emergency. A doctor or psychiatric team will assess the situation.
As a parent, it can be extremely difficult to cope if your child has attempted suicide or is talking about comitting suicide and it is advisable to get dedicated support for yourself too - see the resources on this page.
Help from YoungMinds
YoungMinds Parents Information Service can offer further information offering support on suicide
Find out more about the Parents Information Service
Call us on 0800 018 2138
Contact us using our form
Useful websites
Samaritans
NHS
Prevention of young suicide
Charlie Waller Memorial Trust (CWMT)
