CHILD SUICIDE
THE SUICIDE CONTINUUM
Child suicide is one of the most emotive areas of mental health, largely due to the widespread consequences for families and friends of a young person who has ended their lives by suicide.
In common with other mental health conditions, it must be remembered that suicidal behaviour runs on a continuum, ranging from having the idea of suicide (ideation) to the actual ending of life (suicide). Child suicide remains a major issue in our society, with an average of one attempt by an adolescent every half hour.
There are many factors which may lead to a young person accessing the suicidal continuum. Firstly, environmental factors like: bullying, stress, traumatic events or school pressures may be particularly pressing.
In addition, family factors such as: family breakdown, death of a person close to the young person, being a young carer, being a looked-after child or having a member of the family or friend who has recently completed suicide themselves will add to the day to day pressures faced by all young people.