Listening to Families Videos

Annette Beautrais Suicidologist discusses suicide with a parent. Annette explains the difference between suicidal behaviour and self-harm. She notes that self-harm is an addictive behaviour. She comments on the significant increase in these behaviours in the last 10 years. Annette notes that only a small % of those that self-harm progress to suicidal behaviour and comments on the importance of intent.

Annette Beautrais Suicidologist discusses suicide with a parent. Annette explains that young people feel emotions very intensely but their problem solving, decision making skills don’t develop until about 26. Young people can’t see the future clearly, this sets young people up to seeing the future as hopeless. She talks about peer pressure, contagious behaviours and the influence off social media.

Annette Beautrais Suicidologist discusses suicide with a parent. Annette notes that the most common risk factor is a mental disorder and the most common of these is depression. The second most common is substance use disorder – the most common substance use disorder is alcohol. She notes that disorders start to appear at 17 – 18. She talks about the increased risk resulting from previous attempts. The impact of bullying is also discussed.

Annette Beautrais Suicidologist discusses suicide with a parent. Annette explains how to respond when a child says I want to kill myself. She also explains how to respond when the child says I don’t want to talk about it. She notes that talking while walking or driving is a good way to communicate with a young person. Annette notes that there are lots of organisations to call – links to these are included as resources with the video.

Annette Beautrais Suicidologist discusses suicide with a parent. Annette notes the importance of parents educating themselves about the risk factors and the warning signs. She talks about the difference between the warning signs and the immediate risk. She gives some examples of comments that young people might say that should raise immediate concern.

Annette Beautrais Suicidologist discusses suicide with a parent. Annette notes the range of services that are available. She talks about the role of the General Practitioner – they can refer on to the appropriate provider. She notes the service provided via 1737. The resources are all listed in the description for this video.

Annette Beautrais Suicidologist discusses suicide with a parent. Annette talks about things that parents can do to support their young person that are not necessarily mental health based. She talks about alcohol and medications. She notes that motivational interviewing can make a big impact and that saying thank you, being grateful can make a real difference. She discusses the importance of physical activity.

Annette Beautrais Suicidologist discusses suicide with a parent. Annette stresses the importance of parents looking after themselves. Parents should have their own self care plan. She discusses the different ways that males and females respond to stress.

Annette Beautrais Suicidologist discusses suicide with a parent. Annette talks about the large number of apps that are available on phones to help to support young people. She mentions a number of apps including Calm, Smiling Mind, Headspace and Head First. She notes that General Practice has a list of apps that will help young people and their families.

Jessica Caldwell Child and Family Psychologist responds to a parents questions about suicidal distress. Jess suggests how to respond, how to help the child while managing one’s own emotions. She explains who to contact to get support.

Jessica Caldwell Child and Family Psychologist responds to a parents questions about suicidal distress. Jess confirms the importance of involving others - not keeping a secret. She reinforces the message about the importance of managing one’s own emotions.

Jessica Caldwell Child and Family Psychologist responds to a parents questions about suicidal distress. Jess notes that this type of threat should always be taken seriously, notes who to discuss it with and again reinforces the importance of managing one’s own emotions.

Jessica Caldwell Child and Family Psychologist responds to a parents questions about suicidal distress. Jess notes the importance of ensuring that the child’s immediate safety is looked after and what steps to take including calling 111, going to the Emergency Dept, contacting the mental health crisis numbers.

Jessica Caldwell Child and Family Psychologist responds to a parents questions about suicidal distress. Jess talks about the follow up that will occur after contact with the Emergency Department and explains about confidentiality. She notes that a safety plan will be developed. She talks about the importance of parents looking after themselves at this time.

Jessica Caldwell Child and Family Psychologist responds to a parents questions about suicidal distress. Jess explains steps to take around the house to keep the child safe. She notes the importance of keeping lines of communication open with the child and of keeping control of one’s own emotions – being calm, being curious. She talks about maintaining routines. .