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| Suicide Prevention | • Experiencing discrimination, isolation and relationship conflicts with family, friends and others because the young person is gay or lesbian
• The recent suicide of a friend or relative, or an anniversary of a suicide or the death of someone close to them.
People who have attempted suicide before are very likely to try again. Those people who have a history of harming themselves deliberately are also at higher risk of suicide.
Helping a young person experiencing suicidal thoughts
• Listen and encourage them to talk, show that you are taking their concern seriously
• Tell the person you care
• Acknowledge their fears, despair or sadness
• Provide reassurance, but do not dismiss the problem
• Ask if they are thinking of hurting or killing themselves, and if they have a plan
• Point out the consequences of suicide for the person and those they leave behind
• Ensure they do not have access to lethal weapons or medications
• Stay with the person if they are at high risk
• Immediately tell someone else, preferably an adult
• Get help from professionals, offer to go with them to provide support
• Let them know where they can get other help
• Provide contact numbers and assist them to ring if necessary.
What is Not Helpful
Try to Avoid:
• Interrupting with stories of your own
• Panicking or becoming angry
• Being judgmental
• Offering too much advice.
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