Suicide

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If you are contemplating suicide,

please call Lifeline 13 11 14 or 000.

 

It is not uncommon for children and adolescents to have feelings so bleak they become suicidal thoughts. Fortunately though, according to official data, child suicide (5-15 years’ old) is a rare event in Australia and Victoria had the second lowest standardised rates of suicide over a five-year period (9.7 per 100,000).

These figures do not belittle how important it is to monitor the mental health of children and adolescents. There are many stresses, strains or events in a young persons’ life that can make them feel hopeless, trapped, depressed, angry and worthless with no sense of purpose.

Triggers can include:

  • Depression
  • Family troubles
  • Abuse – sexual, physical or emotional
  • School or university
  • Relationship break-ups
  • Drug or alcohol problems
  • Major grief and loss e.g. death or the suicide of a friend or family member
  • Feeling like they don’t belong anywhere
  • Any problem for which there appears no solution

 

High-risk groups include:

  • People who have attempted suicide before
  • People with major depression, psychotic illnesses and eating disorders
  • People recently discharge from hospital or when treatment has been reduced
  • People who abuse alcohol or drugs
  • Males are around 3.3 times more likely to die by suicide than females.
  • Young Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander males (15-19 years) are 4.4 times more likely to die by suicide than are other young Australian males. Similarly, young Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander females (15-19 years) are 5.9 times more likely to die by suicide than are other young females.

With dozens of private psychologists to choose from, you deserve to get the very best possible care.

If you are concerned about a child or adolescent’s mental health and worry they may be at risk of suicide, call the Three Seas Psychology Group today for an appointment to see a psychologist.

 

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