Youth suicide – the warning signs

If you or someone you care about is in crisis and you think immediate action is needed:

• call emergency services (triple zero – 000)
• contact your GP or mental health crisis service, or
• go to your local hospital emergency department.

Do not leave the person alone, unless you are concerned for your own safety.

To speak to someone immediately, contact:

• the Suicide Call Back Service (Tel. 1300 659 467) or
• Lifeline (Tel. 13 11 14)
• Kids Helpline (Tel. 1800 55 1800)
• 13 YARN, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (Tel. 13 92 76).

Suicide can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race, income and family background, but some young people are at greater risk of self-harm and suicidal behaviour.

Youth suicide affects families every day in Australia. It is the leading cause of death among young people. In 2024, 317 Australian young people (aged 15–24) died by suicide. Research shows that in this age group, for every one suicide there are approximately 100–200 suicide attempts.

Suicide attempts and death by suicide can be prevented with appropriate support. Anyone, not just mental health professionals, can provide emotional and practical support to a young person experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Warning signs of youth suicide

It is not always possible to know when someone is thinking about suicide but some of the possible warning signs include:

• talking or writing about death or about feeling trapped with no way out
• feeling hopeless and withdrawing from family, friends and the community
• increasing drug and alcohol use
• giving away personal possessions
• doing dangerous, life threatening things
• having delusions or hallucinations
• regularly self-harming
• significant change in mood.

Risk factors for youth suicide

Suicide is a complex issue, shaped by a range of interacting factors, and cannot be explained by a single cause or event. However, it is important to improve our understanding of different risk factors that may indicate that someone needs support.

Stress can contribute to suicide. A young person or teenager may experience overwhelming and immediate stress, or they may have stress that builds up over a long time.

Serious adverse events and stressful experiences that have been associated with suicide include:

• loss of an important person through death or divorce
• incest, child abuse or neglect
• financial difficulties
• bullying at school or in the workplace
• a sense of failure at school
• a sense of failure in relationships
• a relationship break-up
• the experience of discrimination, isolation and social exclusion
• relationship conflicts with family, friends and others because the young person is gay or lesbian
• witnessing family violence
• the recent suicide of a friend or relative, or an anniversary of a suicide or the death of someone close to them.

People who have a history of self-harm or suicide attempts are at greater risk of suicide.

Other young people who are at higher risk of suicide include:

• young people from some culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people
• those in rural communities
• LGBTQIA+ young people
• young people with mental health challenges
• young people experiencing socioeconomic risk factors for poor health
• young people experiencing housing instability.

Supporting a young person who is experiencing suicidal thoughts

You may be able to help a young person if you:

• Listen and encourage them to talk and show that you are taking their concerns seriously.
• Tell or show the person that you care.
• Acknowledge their fears, despair or sadness.
• Provide reassurance, but do not dismiss the problem.
• Ask if they are thinking of hurting themselves or taking their own life, and if they have a plan.
• Ensure they do not have access to lethal weapons or medications.
• Stay with the person if they are at high risk of suicide.
• Immediately tell someone else, preferably an adult.
• Seek help from professionals, and offer to provide support.
• Let them know where they can get support.
• Provide contact numbers and assist them to call if necessary.

Visit Beyond Blue for more information about how to support a friend.

Things to avoid when supporting a young person experiencing suicidal thoughts

Try to avoid:

• interrupting with stories of your own
• panicking or becoming angry
• being judgmental
• telling them all the things they have to live for
• offering too much advice.

Conversations Matter has basic tips for how to talk to someone who you think may be having suicidal thoughts.

Youth suicide myths

Incorrect beliefs concerning suicide include:

Where to get help

• Your local community health centre
• GP (not necessarily the family doctor)
• Kids Helpline Tel. 1800 55 1800
• Lifeline Tel.13 11 14
• Headspace Tel. 1800 650 890
• SuicideLine Victoria Tel. 1300 651 251
• Beyond Blue forums
• #chatsafe guidelines for communicating safely online about suicide