or have a friend who you think is considering
don't hedge around
don't delay (but don't panic)
and whatever you do,
don't wait around to see if they will get better

Even if you are sworn to secrecy
(and being sworn to secrecy is usually the way it happens)
You can't, mustn't, hold on to the secret.
Your friend's life could depend upon it.
A young person thinking about
is not able to see that
is never - never - never
the answer to their problems.

So while it's not your role to single-handedly
prevent a friend from attempting
(any more than you can save the world .... who can?)
you can offer reassurance.

That's about all you can offer, that, and
going to a trusted adult as soon as possible.
There has to be an adult you can get to,
(there may be more than one) and by telling the adult,
you will know that you have given your friend
the best gift you can under the circumstances.

• "It can't happen to my child."
• Talking about suicidal intent will lead to suicide.
• Suicide attempt is a manipulative behaviour and therefore should be punished.
• Suicide occurs only in lower socio-economic groups.
• Suicides come out of the blue with little or no warning.
• Teenagers will "learn" from their "mistakes" and they won't try again.
• Depression and other mental disorders do not occur in young people.

• Suicide rate in young people is increasing.
• Suicide is uncommon in children under the age of 10.
• There are many more attempted suicides than completed suicides.
• Between 60 - 80% of youth have sought help within the previous month before the suicide.
• There is an increased risk if the youth has a previous history of attmepted suicide.
• Many competed suicides are well planned.

Problems with school or the law. Break-up of romance. Unexpected pregnancy. A stressful family life (having parents who are depressed or are substance abusers, or a family history of suicide) Loss of security...fear of authority, peers, group or gang members. Stress due to new situations; college or relocating to a new community. Failing in school or failing to pass an important test. Seriously injuring another person or causing another person's death (example automobile accident.) Major loss of a loved one, divorce in the family, a trauma.

Abrupt changes in personality. Giving away possessions. Previous suicide attempt. Use of drugs and/or alcohol. Change in eating pattern. Significant weight change. Insomnia/oversleeping. Unwillingness/inability to communicate. Depression. Extreme or extended boredom. Accident prone (carelessness). Unusual sadness, loneliness, talk of wanting to die. Neglect of work/appearance. Rebelliousness. Reckless behaviour. Chronic pain, panic or anxiety.