Only a fifth of parents and guardians of 16-23-year-olds have discussed suicide with them in the past year, even though it is the most common cause of death among young people.
This compared to 37 per cent who had discussed sex and relationships, a YouGov survey of more than 4,200 adults found.
About 19 percent of parents and caregivers admitted that they were worried that discussing a sensitive topic might put thoughts in the child’s head.
However, the nationwide campaign starting this week aims to encourage people to discuss mental health and youth suicide with their loved ones.
Simon Gunning, chief executive of the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), which commissioned the research, said: ‘People are worried that mentioning the S-word will bring the thought to their loved ones’ minds.
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“We know from our extensive work in the field that the opposite is true. Talking to young people about suicide in the right way and saying it, regardless of whether they are well or in crisis, has been shown to be an effective suicide prevention tool.
Almost 7,000 people aged 15-24 died by suicide in the UK in the ten years to 2022. It is the most common cause of death among 15-34 year olds.
The tragic toll is highlighted by an installation at London’s Westfield White City shopping center featuring 6,929 birthday balloons – each representing an absent birthday that the youngster never got to see.
The study also showed that 39 percent of young people aged 18 to 34 had experienced a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts in the past five years.
Just over half (51 percent) said they would avoid talking to a parent or trusted adult if they were experiencing a crisis because they didn’t want to worry.
And 59 percent thought someone closer to their age – such as a friend or sibling – would better understand their struggles.
At the same time, four out of ten parents and guardians admitted that they would not know who or where to turn for help when trying to deal with a young person with suicidal thoughts.
To celebrate World Suicide Prevention Day, CALM is launching a new CARE package on Tuesday to help adults talk about mental health and suicide with 15-24 year olds.
Online resources offer advice on how to check in, how to ask questions, stay close and seek expert advice.
Gunning added: “We need to remove the stigma and start talking – if we don’t, more young people will die or carry these harmful behaviors into adulthood.
“The CALM CARE series shows how to break the cycle and promote a positive conversation about mental health and suicide prevention.”
The set is available for free here.
“Alex’s death changed our world forever – this should no longer be taboo.”
Tracey had no idea her son Alex had mental health issues until he died by suicide while on holiday with friends.
The 19-year-old had occasional friendship struggles — as all teenagers do — but “nothing that was noticeable or ever made me worry about her mother,” she said.
Tracey, 51, added: “At the time he was living away from the family home, so when I got the call in the middle of the night on November 14, 2019, it was a complete shock and changed our world forever.”
Alex was a “fun-loving, popular boy who loved music, being outdoors, having fun and being with his friends,” Tracey said. His family “grieved in very different ways” after his sudden death, but remained strong together.
Alex’s sister was only 15 at the time and was struggling to get support. Mother-of-two Tracey said: “When I tried avenues for him, including GPs, school resources and youth counselling, I hit brick wall after brick wall with no success.”
Tracey has been fundraising for CALM since 2021 and is determined to “turn this horrific loss into something positive” by raising awareness and encouraging people to talk to their loved ones about mental health and suicide.
He added: “I really believe now that this can affect any family. We need to talk more to each other about any struggles and mental health issues we may have.
“This should no longer be a taboo that we can talk about more openly.”
- When life gets tough, the Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them free on 116 123, send an email to jo@samaritans.org or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.
