Factsheet 3: How to Approach a Young Person About Their Mental
Health
Factsheet 3: How to Approach a Young Person About Their Mental Health
Imminent Risk (Danger to self or others)
If you suspect they are thinking about self-harm or suicide, ask them directly You aren't "putting ideas in their head" by asking about suicide; you're giving them a safe way to admit they're struggling "Are you thinking about killing yourself?" "Have you ever thought about ending your life?" Being direct is safer than being vague.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger to themselves or others, please take action immediately. Call 000
Go directly to the nearest hospital emergency department, if it is safe to do so.
Be Clear about Your Intentions
Factsheet 3: How to Approach a Young Person About Their Mental Health
The Observer Side By Side
Use the physical movement of walking together to lower the pressure of a serious conversation,
Here are a few ways to start that conversation, depending on the vibe and your relationship with them: Instead of asking "What's wrong?", describe what you ’ ve noticed. This shows you're paying attention without making assumptions
"I’ve noticed you ’ ve been spending a lot of time alone, and you seem a bit down. I wanted to check in how are things going?"
"I noticed you haven't been attending the club social functions as much as usual. Is there anything on your mind that you want to vent about?"
Direct but Gentle
Lower the barrier for a crisis check-in by validating a person's overwhelming pain before asking clearly and directly about thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
“You've been through a lot lately, and sometimes when people feel this overwhelmed, they think about giving up Have you had any thoughts of hurting yourself?
"I'm worried about you Sometimes when things feel this heavy, people start to feel hopeless. Are you having thoughts of suicide?”
“Hey, while we're headed to the clubrooms I've been thinking about you. You haven't seemed like yourself lately Is everything okay?"
Combine a direct, observant checkin with a vulnerable, reciprocal sharing of one's own struggles to make the other person feel safe opening up
"I've been feeling a bit stressed lately myself, so I've been checking in on people I care about How have you been holding up?"
Factsheet 3: How to Approach a Young Person About Their Mental Health
What to Do If You Can't Be There in Person
It is not always possible to have the conversation in person
If you do not live close to the person you are concerned about, you can talk to them over the phone or online via private chat.
Try to find out where they are and if anyone is with them
Ask them who else they would feel comfortable talking to. Get their permission to contact their trusted person
Tell their trusted person about your concerns
Ask them to have a conversation with the person you are concerned about.
Follow up with the trusted person to see how the conversation went
If they would like to talk to someone, the following services offer 24/7 confidential counselling
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 51
Lifeline 13 11 14
YARN 13 92 76
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
The information in this factsheet is designed to help you better understand mental health and what you can do to better support a young person who might be going through a tough time.
It is to provide you with support and in turn confidence to offer initial assistance and guide a young person toward professional help
If you believe someone you know is at immediate risk of harm to themselves or others:
Do not leave them alone. Call (000) immediately or present at the nearest Emergency Department.
Get in touch with their primary caregiver or emergency contact.