Brisbane Twestival 2009 » Let’s Talk: Youth Suicide

Let’s Talk: Youth Suicide

Sometimes living can become very painful and problems can seem overwhelming. At some point many people think about suicide, but do not plan or act on it. However, for others the thought of suicide might begin to seem like a real alternative to a problem or situation that appears hopeless or as if there is no solution. (ReachOut, Inspire)

If you are feeling suicidal or want to end your life, it’s important that you keep yourself safe. Try to remember that thoughts about suicide are just thoughts. They do not mean you have to act on them. No matter how overwhelming they are or how often you have them. They also don’t mean that you will always have those thoughts.

Everyone goes through tough times and experiences times when things seem hopeless. It is possible to get through these times by creating your own ‘tool kit’ of coping strategies, which you can use when you’re feeling suicidal or when things feel hopeless. Some suggestions include:

Postpone any decision to end your life

While it may feel like you have to act now on your thoughts of suicide, try to postpone that decision. Keep a list of things you can do to distract yourself. This might include reading a book, chatting on Twitter, watching a movie, going for a picnic, walking the dog, paint a picture, taking a shower… anything you’d like to do to chill out.

You can then put this into action when the suicidal feeling starts to surface. Many people report that by postponing a decision to die, they found that their life did change. They were able to get the support they needed and could move on to a better, happier place.

Tell someone

Although it may seem hard, and may seem like a bigger challenge than taking steps to commit suicide, it’s important to reach out to others who might help you to see alternative ways of solving or thinking about a problem, and to help you to realise what is important to you, allowing you to have a more positive outlook.

You could tell a family member or friend, counsellor or any person that you feel comfortable with. If they don’t believe you or don’t want to listen, keep trying until someone does. Sometimes people don’t react well at first because they don’t know how. This is not your fault, and although it may feel hard, don’t give up!

Try writing something down and giving the paper to the other person if you’re having real difficulty speaking, or if you are having difficulty talking to people you know, phone a crisis line.

Kids Helpline (KHL) (1800 55 1800) is free from a landline and won’t show up on a phone bill.
Lifeline (131 114) is the cost of a local call from a landline.

Both of these services are anonymous and they’re open 24hrs a day 7 days a week.

Write down your feelings

Writing down your feelings, or keeping a journal, can be a great way of understanding your feelings and a particular situation. It can also help you think about alternative solutions to problems.

Exercise + eating well

Even though you might not feel like it, exercising and eating well can help when you are feeling down.

Exercise helps stimulate hormones, such as endorphins, which help you feel better about your life. If you haven’t done a lot of exercise before, it might be a good idea to start doing something small a couple of times each week. A 15 minute walk or 2 or 3 laps of a pool would be a good place to start; even get some friends around for a game of soccer if you feel up for it.

Talk to a psychologist or psychiatrist

You’ll be able to find them through your GP or local community health centre. Some GPs and other allied health staff also do counselling. Check out the ReachOut Who can help you section for more info.

Other website resources are: