Suicide and suicidal behaviour are complex and challenging problems which affect many young
people and their families during the teen and early adult years. It’s very frightening to find out that someone you know might be feeling suicidal. If you’re concerned about someone you know, the information below may be helpful to let you know what you can do and where you can go for help.
What are suicidal behaviours?
Suicidal behaviour refers to a number of thoughts and actions of varying intensity, related to self-harm. Suicidal behaviours include:
- Thoughts of dying
- Making plans to attempt suicide
- Attempting suicide.
Sometimes suicidal behaviour is a "cry for help", rather than a true desire to end one’s life. Other times, suicidal behaviour may be a true indication that a person wishes to die. It’s often difficult to work out which is the case, so it’s extremely important that all suicidal behaviours are taken seriously and all people feeling this way get the help they need.
What causes suicidal behaviour in young people?
Like those for depression, the causes of suicidal behaviour are many and varied. Some factors which may result in suicidal behaviour include:
- Mental illness, especially depression
- A family history of mental illness
- Child abuse or sexual abuse
- Extremely difficult life events
- Certain aspects of personality (such as extreme negativity or tendencies to worry or blame
oneself for things)
- Not feeling connected to friends or family.
Warning signs of suicide
Warning signs are different for everyone and sometimes they’re really well hidden. Often, the person will seem really down, they won’t have been themselves for quite a while and they may talk about wanting to die. Other warning signs include:
- Current or recent suicidal thoughts
The person may say they’ve thought about suicide, making comments like "No one would care if I was dead" or "I hate my life". This may also be reflected in other ways, such as artwork they do, stories they write and the way they’re looking after themselves.
- Withdrawal
A person contemplating suicide might withdraw from their family, friends and normal activities such as playing sport or going to classes. A change in their performance at, or attitude towards school, university or work might also be a sign of withdrawal.
- Depression
Depression and other mental illnesses can be a trigger for suicidal behaviour. Depression is treatable, and it is important that the person gets the right type of help. The warning signs for depression include thoughts such as "I’m useless" and "No one cares about me". They may also feel guilty or ashamed about things that have happened in their life.
- Mood swings
A person considering suicide may have very sudden changes in their moods, seeming very sad one day and very happy the next. Sometimes, when a person who’s previously been upset suddenly seems calm and content, it may mean they’ve made a decision about a suicide plan.
- Change in personality, behaviour or appearance
The person may change their eating or sleeping patterns. There also may be sudden changes in their behaviour (for example, they may suddenly become aggressive, angry or agitated), their appearance and their outlook on life.
- Alcohol and drug use
The person may start bingeing on alcohol or party drugs.
- Impulsiveness or risk tasking
A person contemplating suicide might start to take risks, such as train surfing, mixing drugs or driving at high speeds. They may change their sexual habits, drop out of school or university, quit work or leave home.
- Trauma or stressful events
A traumatic event in someone’s life can increase their risk of suicidal behaviour. These events can include the divorce of their parents, a relationship break-up, the loss of a job or someone they care about, or doing unexpectedly badly at something.
- Giving away possessions or settling unfinished business
The person may start throwing away their possessions or giving them to friends and family. They may make a will or other "final arrangements".
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