Teen suicide

In the past 30 years, the suicide rate for males aged between 15 and 24 years has tripled and over the last 10 years, youth suicide has increased by 35 percent. Young men living in country areas, who can't reach medical and community support and are not good at communicating their personal feelings and emotions, are twice as likely as city youths to kill themselves.

Every day seven Australians take their own life. And for every person who succeeds, there are at least another 30 people who have attempted suicide.

As a family, a community and a society, we must all act to save our children from a health problem that is very preventable. The best start we can make is by open discussion of the topics that are taboo in our society: mental illness and suicide. Most young people who have committed suicide have experienced some type of mental illness such as major depression or bipolar disorder. It does not mean they are mad or crazy, just that their minds are sick and they need professional help. There is no shame in going to an oncologist to treat cancer. There should be no shame in going to a psychiatrist to treat psychosis.

If you are aware that your teen seems constantly unhappy, moody, angry or bad tempered, don't be afraid to ask them how they are feeling, without nagging them or being intrusive (not easy, I know). Knowing that someone cares is often enough to prevent tragedy.

If they tell you that they are feeling suicidal, do something. Don't keep it a secret, even if they ask you to. Every suicide thought, threat or attempt should be taken seriously and definitely not treated as attention-seeking. Make sure that they get professional help from their family doctor, psychiatrist, counsellor or other healthcare professional they feel comfortable with.

Call a crisis line yourself for advice on what to do and encourage them to call too:

• Kids Help Line (for people aged under 16). Ph: 1800 55 1800.
• Lifeline. Ph: 131 114.