Start a conversation about suicide

One way to make a conversation easier is to do something together like a walk or drive. Whatever and however you do it, set aside time to prioritise the chat and minimise distractions.

A young person needs to know that there’s a reliable time and a space in which you can prioritise them and what they’re going through. Give them your full attention.

Hearing what a young person is going through can bring up lots of emotions like worry, fear, maybe even anger and disbelief. It’s common to want to rush in to comfort and solve the situation. But what’s important here is giving a young person space to open up and speak freely.

Try reassuring them by saying something like: "I care about you and I’m here if you ever want to talk about anything, big or small." Listen to the audio clip for more guidance on how to do this.

We all want to protect young people from some of the harder aspects of life. But that doesn’t mean we can’t talk about them in a safe way. Speaking about a national news story or a celebrity who’s been in a difficult situation is a way to talk about tough topics without instilling fear or worry.

Talking about mental health does not make young people worry more, and talking about suicide does not put the idea into their head. It is one of the best preventative steps you can take.

Don't wait for them to reach out because it might never happen. Waiting for a young person to come to you can feel like the right thing to do - especially if you don’t want to appear intrusive or pushy. But a young person is likely to wait until they feel unable to cope before reaching out to an adult.

Talking about mental health doesn’t need fanfare. It doesn’t need a grand gesture or to come with an agenda invite. Find what works for you - but try not to add too much weight or gravity. If it feels scary or pressurised then a young person is more likely to want to close it down.

They may brush you off, avoid conversation or even find you embarrassing. It’s important to keep trying and creating space to chat and discuss mental health, even if at first it’s not received well.

Say something like: "I know it can feel a bit uncomfortable to have these conversations, but I want you to know I’m here for it." Listen to the audio clip for more guidance on how to do this.