The risk factors for youth suicide and what parents can do to help prevent it. Suicide among 15 to 24 year-old people is a serious problem in Australia where more than 400 young people kill each themselves every year. There are now more deaths from suicide among young men aged 19 to 24 than there are from road deaths.
Adolescence can be a time of confusion and stress.
Although most young people survive these years without major problems, others feel so helpless and without hope that they kill themselves. If they are very depressed. If their behaviour is extremely angry, destructive and impulsive and they abuse alcohol or drugs. If there are serious family problems, eg a violent, abusive family, an unsupportive family, or a family that is over-protective and restrictive. Relationship conflicts with friends or family.