Dear Parents

Suicide, particularly youth suicide, is a frightening and frequently taboo subject. How do you cope if your child or your teenage friend says that he or she feels like ending it all? Do you play down fits of depression, troubles at school, broken relationships, family discord or loneliness. Do you comfort yourself with the myth that people who talk about suicide never do it? Do you see it as an hysterical attempt to get attention or A CRY FOR HELP?

Most kids thinking about suicide send out a call for help. The best way to help youngsters who think they have unsurmountable problems is to talk to them about those problems. They may see suicide as their main option because they have not yet acquired a crisis track record and have no experience of coping with what to an adult may be seen as minor stress. We should be careful not to be dismissive of this because it is viewed from an adult perspective.

Show a genuine and loving concern for your children, let them know verbally and overtly that they are loved for themselves. Give them a sense of security and let them know that you have confidence in them and trust them. Keep the lines of communication open. Encourage healthy friendships with their peer group as young people are more likely to confide in their peers than to parents, teachers or adults.

If you are concerned and want support, seek professional help or ring Lifelink Samaritans on (03) 6331 3355 (Launceston) or 1300 364 566 (country & statewide).

The Lifelink Samaritans is a community based voluntary organisation dedicated to befriending those who are suicidal, despairing and lonely.
It provides a confidential, non-religious and non-judgmental 24 hour telephone befriending service. Face to face befriending for those needing additional short term support in a time of crisis, is also available.

Together, we can help you, your son or daughter.

Lifelink Samaritans

IMMEDIATE DANGER SIGNS

The person -
• has set the time of suicide and has the means available to carry out the threat
• is dazed or unconscious
• has already hurt themself

IN AN EMERGENCY

• DO NOT LEAVE THE PERSON ALONE
• Contact any of the following immediately (night or day):
- THE LIFELINK SAMARITANS 24 hours a day, every day
(03) 6331 3355 (Launceston) 1300 364 566 (country & statewide)
- LAUNCESTON GENERAL HOSPITAL (03) 6348 7111
- YOUR NEAREST HOSPITAL
- THE POLICE (03) 6336 3701
- SOMEONE YOU TRUST

NOTE: Whilst this page has been compiled as a guide to parents, it may be applied by others such as teachers, student councellors or anyone engaged in dealing with young people.
Further information and publicity material may be obtained by calling Lifelink Samaritans by telephone or writing to the Director, PO Box 228, Launceston, Tasmania 7250