Tips for providing support

Do:

• LISTEN - don't give advice, make judgements, or attempt to solve the problem - just listen
• Comment on the changes that you have noticed ("Lately I've noticed that you have been spending a lot of time alone in your room, is something bothering you?" - this shows that you are concerned
• Take their problems seriously
• Send them the message that they are important to you, you care about them, and you want to help.

Don't say:

• "Oh come on, things aren't that bad."
• "You have it good compared to ..."
• "Aren't you exaggerating a bit?"
• "Suicide. That's a stupid way to solve your problem."
• "Hang in there things will blow over."

Ask Questions:

• "Are you thinking about hurting yourself?"
• "Are you thinking about killing yourself?" *

* If the answer is yes, keep asking questions:

• "How are you planning to do it?"
• "When are you going to do it?"
• "Do you have what you need to do it?" (i.e. access to drugs, guns, knives, rope, a car)
  
• The more dangerous and definite the plan, the greater the risk of a suicide attempt.

If the risk of suicide is very high:

1. Do not leave the youth alone
2. Call your family doctor and make an appointment as soon as possible for an assessment
3. If your family doctor is unavailable, take the youth to the hospital Emergency Ward

Know who to contact if you are concerned about your teen

• Call your family doctor (Paediatrician and/or Psychiatrist if involved)
• Call the local crisis line for support
• Contact the school counsellor and school administrator
• Contact a community counsellor and/or mental
  health agency

Youth who are experiencing suicidal thoughts often act impulsively. During this time it is important to restrict access to any items your teen might use to harm themselves.
Access to knives, firearms, ropes, razor blades, car keys, and excessive amounts of medications must be restricted. Kitchen knives, razor blades, car keys, and medications can all be locked away. Firearms and ropes must be kept in a safe place, inaccessible in case your teen feels the impulse to act.

A large number of people who take their own lives do so using a vehicle. Carbon monoxide poisoning and single vehicle accidents are lethal options, so limiting your teen's access to a vehicle while they are expressing thoughts of suicide is necessary.

Keep the discussion of suicide out in the open. Develop an interest in the positive aspects and thoughts that the youth has towards life.

Prepare a support network of caring people for your teen.
With the input of your teen you can carefully select support people your teen trusts, with whom they can share, and who can also watch out for suicide warning signs.

Increasing a teen's natural support network apart from time limited professional involvement is one of the most important and effective ways to reduce the risk of further attempts.