Key takeaways
- ✓ Suicide is preventable, and help works — most young people at risk show warning signs before a crisis.
- ✓ Take every mention of suicide or self-harm seriously; it is a cry for help, never something to dismiss.
- ✓ Warning signs include withdrawal, hopelessness, talk of being a burden, giving away possessions and saying goodbye.
- ✓ If you're worried, ask directly, listen without judgement, remove access to means of harm, and get professional help immediately.
- ✓ Free, confidential support is available 24/7: Lifeline 13 11 14, Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800, Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 — call 000 in an emergency.
If you or someone you know needs support now
You don't have to face this alone, and you don't need to wait for a crisis to call. Support is free, confidential and available 24/7. If someone is in immediate danger, call 000.
- ✓ Lifeline — 13 11 14, 24/7 crisis support (lifeline.org.au)
- ✓ Kids Helpline — 1800 55 1800, 24/7 for young people (kidshelpline.com.au)
- ✓ Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636, 24/7 (beyondblue.org.au)
Why this conversation matters
Suicide is the leading cause of death among Australians aged 15–24. Behind that fact sits the most important truth in suicide prevention: it is preventable. Seriously depressed teenagers may think about suicide, and when they do, the response of the people around them matters enormously. With the right support, young people come through these dark periods and recover — help genuinely works.
Most young people who are thinking about suicide give some indication of how they're feeling. Take any suicidal thought or behaviour seriously, every time — it is your teen's cry for help. Noticing it, talking about it openly, and helping them reach professional support can change everything. Left unaddressed, a young person can come to feel there's no other way out of their situation — when in reality there always is.
Warning signs to watch for
Some teens show clear signs of depression; for others it's harder to distinguish from the normal ups and downs of adolescence. Pay attention to changes at school, at home and with friends — particularly:
- ✓ Striking changes in appearance, hygiene or self-care
- ✓ Extreme mood swings, withdrawal from people they love, or acting anxious, agitated or reckless
- ✓ Writing stories, poems or songs about death or dying
- ✓ Talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless or feeling trapped
- ✓ Talking about having no purpose, or about being a burden to others
- ✓ Trying to get access to means of ending their life
- ✓ Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
- ✓ Sleeping far too little or far too much
- ✓ Statements like "everyone would be better off without me" or "there's no way out"
- ✓ Giving away prized possessions for no clear reason
- ✓ Saying goodbye to friends and family as though for the last time
How to help a young person at risk
Treat it as an emergency. Never hold back from getting involved. Helping a suicidal young person means acting now — do whatever you can to help them reconnect, and get professional help immediately.
Show them you care, and listen. Often, simply knowing someone cares is enough for a young person to begin unburdening what they're carrying. Talk gently and supportively; let them know you're there and you're not afraid to face their feelings together. Give them your time, listen with genuine interest, and stay patient and non-judgemental — even if what you hear frightens or distresses you.
Make their environment safe. Ensuring they can't access means of hurting themselves — medications, weapons or other dangerous items — should be a top priority. Reducing access saves lives.
Bring in professionals. Consult your doctor, reach out to a mental health support service, or phone one of the helplines above for guidance. If you believe a young person is in imminent danger, call 000 or take them to a healthcare professional or emergency department straight away. And if you're worried about a young person who isn't your own child, tell their parents, guardians or school counsellor so they can act to keep them safe.
Support is always available
- ✓ Lifeline — 13 11 14, 24/7 (lifeline.org.au)
- ✓ Kids Helpline — 1800 55 1800, 24/7 for young people (kidshelpline.com.au)
- ✓ Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636, 24/7 (beyondblue.org.au)
- ✓ In an emergency, or if someone is in immediate danger, call 000
For families facing the aftermath of a tragedy, the cleanup should never fall on loved ones — it is traumatic, and bodily fluids can carry health risks. One Prime provides compassionate, confidential suicide cleanup across Greater Sydney & Regional NSW, 24 hours a day. Call 1300 774 631 and let us carry this for you.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I think my teenager is suicidal?
Treat it as an emergency. Ask them directly and gently about how they're feeling, listen without judgement, remove access to anything they could use to hurt themselves, and get professional help immediately — starting with your GP or a 24/7 service like Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800. If they're in immediate danger, call 000.
Do young people at risk of suicide show warning signs?
Most do. Common signs include withdrawal, extreme mood changes, talk of hopelessness or being a burden, giving away prized possessions, increased alcohol or drug use, and saying goodbye as if for the last time. Take every sign and every mention of suicide seriously — it is a cry for help.
Is it safe to ask a young person directly about suicide?
Yes. Asking openly and calmly does not put the idea in their head — it tells them you care and gives them permission to talk about what they're carrying. Listen patiently and non-judgementally, then help them connect with professional support.
Where can young people in Australia get help right now?
Kids Helpline offers free, confidential 24/7 counselling for young people on 1800 55 1800. Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) are available around the clock for anyone. In an emergency, or if someone is in immediate danger, call 000.
Sources & further reading
This article is general information, not medical or legal advice. Last reviewed 20 September 2018 by the One Prime Solutions team.