Youth Suicide Risk – Guidance
Young people are at risk of death by suicide and suicidal attempts which may or may not result in an injury. They are especially vulnerable to suicidal thoughts. Suicidal thoughts also known as suicidal ideation or thoughts about how to kill oneself, which can range from a plan, frequent thoughts or a fleeting consideration. It does not necessarily include the final act of ending ones life.
More than often young people may have suicidal thoughts when feeling overwhelmed or in response to a painful situation or experience (such as bullying, bereavement or mental health issues). However thoughts of suicide can affect a young person at any time during adolescence (regardless of any stressful event) – some young people may feel able to cope whilst others may feel unable to.
Suicide may become an option for a young person to regain some control in their life, or as a way to escape their situation. For many (not all) having thoughts of suicide is often more about wanting the pain to end rather than the act of ending ones life itself. A key part of assessing suicidal risk is the young persons intent i.e do they have an active suicide plan or are they experiencing suicidal thoughts but with no intention to end their life.
Warning Signs – An urgent referral should be made if the young person is:
- Talking or making plans for suicide
- Expressing hopelessness about the future
- Frequent suicidal thoughts which are not easily dismissed with increasing self harm/unbearable distress/mental health problems
- Has a history of previous suicide attempt(s)
- The Young person is showing worrisome behaviour cues or marked changes in behaviour, particularly in the presence of the warning signs above. Such as:
- Increased agitation or irritability
- Withdrawal from or change in social connections/situations
- Anger or hostility out of character or context
- Changes in sleep (increased or decreased)
- Storing up medication or increased substance use
- Using drugs and alcohol to cope with feelings
- Increased risk taking behaviours
How to talk to a student who has expressed suicidal ideation:
In the first instance If you’re worried about a young person, try to get them to talk to you. If they don’t want to open up, you’ll still have let them know you’re there for them.
If someone does let you know that they are having suicidal thoughts, always take them seriously. Once a young person does start to share how they are feeling it is important to:
Ask open questions that need more than a yes/no answer, ‘tell me more’…’how are you doing right now?’……’how do you feel about’
Reflect back what they said to show you understand
Focus on their feelings rather than trying to immediately fix the problem
When starting the conversation resolve not to talk about yourself at all
It is important to listen to what the young person is telling you so you can best support and signpost them to professional help
Starting conversations if you are VERY concerned
If you think someone is in immediate danger, the quickest way to get help is to call an ambulance on 999.
If you’re worried someone is actively suicidal, it’s okay to ask them directly. Research shows that this helps – because it gives them permission to tell you how they feel, and shows that they are not a burden. Conversation starters may include:
“I am noticing that you are not yourself, is everything really ok with you ?”
“I am worried about you? Can you share with me any reasons why I might be worried just now”
“You appear (really low, sad, angry, unhappy) today or over the last few weeks . I am worried that you might be thinking of hurting yourself or suicide. Can we talk about this and get some professional help?”
It is important to be open and honest about your worries rather than avoiding any questions around suicide. Don’t be afraid to mention the word suicide and be clear about the actions you are going to take and any information you are going to share with others. This is crucial to ensure the young persons trust.
At the end of the conversation always check they know where to get help should there be an emergency or they need someone to talk to should their risk of suicide intent increase. A safety plan should include emergency contacts – appropriate support numbers of carers/guardians/staff – Bright World Emergency Number
Reference: NHSN National Self Harm Network UK
Emergency Procedure We have a clear procedure at Head Office for emergencies. This is managed by our Head Office Team – Robbie Piper, Lana Foster, James Foster, Su Warren, DSL
DO NOT ACT ALONE – REPORT TO HEAD OFFICE SO WE CAN HANDLE IF A CHILD IS IN IMMEDIATE DANGER OF HARM CALL AN AMBULANCE OR THE POLICE BEFORE YOU CALL US.
Please also refer to this useful booklet produced by the Welsh Government on how to support young people who are self harming or have suicidal ideation.
Guidance created in consultation with KRD Training