It is not uncommon for young people to have suicidal feelings.
Very few young people will actually attempt to take their own lives. However, if someone is having suicidal thoughts they are clearly feeling unable to cope and need help and support.
It can be difficult to know what causes a young person to have suicidal feelings – they might be struggling generally with their emotional and mental health or may have very low self esteem. It could be because they are experiencing abuse or being bullied. They might be struggling to cope with something specific such as forced marriage or a bereavement.
If a child is struggling with their mental health or having suicidal thoughts, it can affect the whole family. It can be very overwhelming for parents and carers to find out that their child is feeling this way.
Talk to your child’s school, they are likely to have a counsellor or trained member of staff who can help to support your child at school.
You can also talk to your family doctor, who can speak to your child (if they wish) about how they are feeling. GPs can also refer to local child and adolescent mental health services.
Further support
- https://www.devon.gov.uk/care-and-health/factsheet/suicide-prevention/
- https://www.devon.gov.uk/care-and-health/factsheet/suicide-prevention/confidential-helplines-and-support/
- https://prevent-suicide.org.uk/youth-suicide-prevention-hub/
- https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/blog/suicide-prevention-how-you-can-make-difference
- https://www.samaritans.org/support-us/campaign/small-talk-saves-lives/
- https://www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/carers-hub/suicidal-thoughts-how-to-support-someone/
- https://actiontopreventsuicide.org/
- http://zerosuicidealliance.com/
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