Preventing Teen Suicide: Teen suicide is when a minor 13 to 19 years old decides to end their life. The said action may be impulsive or planned. However, not all teenage suicide attempt results in death.
The truth is, most suicidal attempts do not mean that these teens want to die. They could also be their way of calling for help.
Teen Suicide Rates In Australia
Depression is a main cause of teen suicide in Australia. Depression is a complex mental illness that can cloud a person’s judgment.
In 2019 alone, an estimate of 384 young people in Australia (aged 18-24) took their own life. 96 of all suicide deaths are children and adolescents, with the majority occurring to 15-17-year-olds.
Anyone can struggle with thoughts of suicide regardless of age. However, the teenage years are particularly hard and stressful. Lots of things can affect a teenager’s mood, way of thinking, and behaviour. It is also the phase where their body is changing and might be dealing with hormones.
Pressure from family, friends, teachers and studies can also cause depression. Check with your teens regularly as they may be dealing with negative events in their life.
Symptoms Of Suicide
Teenagers who are having suicidal thoughts may suffer a range of symptoms. Sadness, despair, frustration, neglect, and anger are some of the symptoms of suicide. Take note that some teenagers who struggle with suicide may not display any signs. It takes careful observation, experience, and proper training to recognise symptoms of suicide.
Some of the leading warning signs for suicide may include:
- Frequently talking about death or suicide.
- Curiosity about death and asking questions about how to commit violent acts.
- Talking about leaving or going away soon.
- Social withdrawal or not wanting to be around people anymore.
- Obvious signs of sadness and isolation, instead of happiness and being social.
- More angry or edgy than usual.
- Losing interest in hobbies or events.
- Trouble focusing.
- Obvious changes in normal daily routine such as sleeping, eating, or grooming.
- Unusual vices such as excessive drinking or using drugs.
- Getting in trouble with the law.
If you observe the following symptoms, do not blame the teen for having suicidal thoughts or attempted suicide. Instead, seek professional help to learn what is causing them to feel helpless. Once determined, there are treatment options available.
The Role Of Educators In Preventing Teen Suicide
Teen suicide is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach to prevention. Schools and educators play a critical role in identifying at-risk students and providing support and resources to help prevent suicide. Here are some key ways that schools and educators can help prevent teen suicide:
Training Staff: Schools can provide training to teachers, counselors, and other staff members to help them identify warning signs of suicide and intervene appropriately.
Screening Programs: Schools can implement screening programs to identify students who may be at risk for suicide. This can include surveys or other assessments that ask students about their mental health and suicidal ideation.
Crisis Intervention: Schools should have a crisis intervention plan in place in case of a suicide attempt or threat. This plan should include procedures for contacting parents, providing emergency medical care, and providing counseling and support to affected students.
Mental Health Services: Schools can provide mental health services to students, including counseling and therapy. They can also work with community mental health providers to ensure that students have access to the care they need.
Suicide Prevention Programs: Schools can implement suicide prevention programs that educate students on the warning signs of suicide, promote mental health awareness, and provide resources for students in need.
By taking a proactive approach to preventing teen suicide, schools can help ensure that their students feel safe, supported, and cared for. It is important for schools to work closely with parents, mental health professionals, and community organisations to create a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention.
Get Help
It is crucial to get help to manage teenage depression and suicide. If you think your teenager is depressed or at risk of self-harm, talk to your doctor.
You also can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Australia at 13 11 14.
We recommend the following ways you can protect a teenager from suicidal thoughts and depression:
- Make sure the teenager gets routine medical care. These include regular tests for mental disorders like anxiety and depression.
- Talk to them and let them know that they can come to you with any problem.
- Provide resources on where to get help or support for problems. Help them build confidence and teach them how to handle conflict, violence, and peer pressure.
- Learn Mental Health First Aid to recognise the signs and provide an appropriate response.
Teen Mental Health First Aid
Teen Mental Health First Aid is an important tool for anyone who works with or cares for young people. By taking a Teen Mental Health First Aid course, you will learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health problems in teenagers and how to provide support and assistance when it is needed most.
With the right knowledge and skills, you can help prevent teen suicide and promote positive mental health outcomes for young people.
Remember, mental health problems are common among teenagers, and early intervention is key to preventing more serious issues down the road. By taking a Teen Mental Health First Aid course, you can become a trusted ally for the young people in your life and help them navigate the challenges of adolescence with confidence and resilience.
Mental Health First Aid training course aims to teach teenagers about common mental health challenges. The training will cover topics on ways to support mental health and help a friend struggling with mental disorders.
It is about equipping young people with the knowledge and skills they need to foster their own mental wellness and support other people.
Get trained today. Talk to one of our staff at the First Aid Course Perth and we’ll be happy to assist you with your first aid needs.