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Suicide and teenagers

This page discusses suicide. If your teen is in immediate danger or is going to act on suicidal thoughts, call 000 if you live in Australia. A number of crisis support services are also there for you – have a look at our urgent help page.

There are a number of things that you can try to reduce the likelihood of suicide. If you'd like to understand more about suicide, read our fact sheet on suicide and teenagers.

Otherwise, see below for some ideas on what you can do if you’re worried your teenager is considering suicide.

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Understanding youth suicide

Understand the causes and risks of youth suicide and what to look out for in your teenager.

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What to do when you think your teenager is suicidal

If you think your teenager is suicidal, it may be hard to know what to do. Learn how you can support them through this time.

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How to talk to your teen about suicide

If you’re worried that your teen might be thinking about suicide, there are ways to have a supportive conversation.

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Create a safety plan with your teenager

Create a safety plan with your teenager for when they need help through a crisis.

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How I helped my teen with thoughts of suicide

One day, Sue got a call – her teenage daughter Chloe had been thinking about suicide. Here’s how she helped her stay safe.

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Support your teenager to manage suicidal thoughts

Help your teenager realise that suicidal thoughts pass and they can get through the tough times with help.

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Supporting your teen after a suicide loss

Learn how to help your teen cope after a suicide loss. As hard as it is, the best way to support them is to talk openly about suicide.

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Look after yourself when your child is in distress

Show your child that you are willing and open to getting help through tough times.

Related topics

Teaching your teens resilienceDepression in teenagersAsk an expert: Self-harm in teenagersTalking with your teen about mental health
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We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

Aboriginal flagTorres Strait islander flagRainbow flagAustralian flag

We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

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