Worried About Somebody?
Do you know somebody who is exhibiting behaviour which may be linked to a personal crisis they are going through? They may be experiencing feelings of deep anguish and despair, or may even be at risk of becoming suicidal.
Suicide – possible aims of those who suicide:
- They are tired of trying to manage what they see is a life too difficult
- They are seeking an escape
- To show how desperate they feel or prove they are worthless
- They don’t believe death is final – this is particularly so for children
- Self punishment
- To avoid the threat of separation or the loss of someone
- To make the pain stop or to stop thinking
- To relieve grief, guilt or fear.
Suicide – possible risk factors:
- Relationship problems – family, spouse, partner or friend
- Loss of a close friend or family member
- Loss of a job, limb, health or relationship
- Drug use
- Previous suicide attempts
- Family history of suicide – knowing others who have suicided make it a more ‘real’ possibility
- Depression or history of psychological distress
- Financial problems and gambling
- Mental, emotional or physical abuse
- Isolation – emotional or physical
- Sexuality – unresolved issues
- Gender – males have a higher completion rate of suicide and women have higher attempt rates of suicide
- Having a plan and the means available.
Common emotional warning signs include:
- Appearing distant from others, feeling like they are on the outside looking in
- Funeral fantasies and flashes of themselves taking their own life
- High anxiety
- Fear of themselves
- Seeing no meaning in life
- Afraid of being alone
- Lack of motivation
- A sense of guilt that leads to fear of discovery
- Difficulty concentrating
- Belief that they are unlovable or evil
- Powerful fear of losing love.
Common bahavioural signs includes:
- Making plans to depart such as giving away important possessions and saying implicit good byes
- Isolation from family and friends
- Loss of interest in their career or study
- Sudden mood changes
- Developing dependencies on drugs/alcohol
- Apathy about appearance and hygiene or extreme fastidiousness
- Risk taking behaviours
- Low energy and lack of motivation
- Changes in eating patterns (overeating or loss of appetite).
Information for parents
The constant pressures and uncertainties faced by adolescents can lead them to develop inner emotional turmoil and distress. Many troubled teens will refrain from asking for help due to fear of damage to their pride, fear of being judged, feeling ashamed or simply because they hope someone will notice they need support.
If you are a parent, it is important to be aware of common signs associated with adolescent depression and suicide so you can identify if your child needs help and support.
To find out more about teens and suicide download our booklets on Youth Stress Awareness and Talking to Parents on Youth Suicide.
Alternatively, if you are a teen who is experiencing feelings of loneliness, deep sadness, or having thoughts of taking your own life, then call our Youthline today on 08 9388 2500.
We are here to listen 24/7, so please contact us today.
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