Suicide, Crisis & Support (Teens)
A safety-first page for warning signs, what to do right now, and where to find support.
TEENS MENTAL HEALTH • CRISIS SUPPORT • SAFETY-FIRST
Important
This page talks about suicide, self-harm, and crisis support.
If anything feels too heavy, it’s okay to pause and come back later.
If you feel unsafe right now, skip to Urgent help.
“You don’t have to carry this alone. Help is real — and you deserve support.”
If you’re reading this, you’re already taking a brave step.
Quick links on this page
Tap a button to jump to the section you need most right now.
Urgent help
If you are in danger right now
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call your local emergency number now.
If you can’t call, ask someone near you to do it.
Do one thing right now
- Move to a safer space (where other people are)
- Text/call a trusted person: “I’m not okay. I need help.”
- If you have a plan to hurt yourself, treat it as urgent
NZ quick placeholders (edit later)
- 111 — Emergency
- 1737 — Call/text to talk (NZ)
- You can also add your global directory links here
Warning signs
Signs someone may be in crisis
What they might say
- “I can’t do this anymore.”
- “Everyone would be better without me.”
- “I want it to stop.”
- Talking about death, disappearing, or “ending it”
What you might notice
- Sudden withdrawal or giving away belongings
- Risk-taking, substance use, or self-harm
- Huge mood change (very low or suddenly “too calm”)
- Not sleeping/eating, or saying they feel trapped
Important note
If you’re unsure, treat it as real. It’s better to over-respond with care than under-respond and miss a warning sign.
What to do right now
What to do if you’re struggling
1) Tell a safe person
Say it plainly: “I’m not safe with my thoughts. I need help right now.”
2) Reduce danger
Move away from anything you could use to hurt yourself. Go where people are.
3) Stay connected
Don’t sit alone with it. Call, text, or sit near someone — even quietly.
If you’re helping a friend
- Stay calm, stay with them, and take them seriously.
- Get an adult involved (this is not “betraying” them — it’s protecting them).
- If urgent, call emergency services.
What to say
Words that help (and what to avoid)
Try saying
- “I’m really glad you told me.”
- “I’m here. We’ll get help together.”
- “You matter to me.”
- “Let’s find an adult/support line right now.”
Avoid saying
- “You’re just seeking attention.”
- “You have so much to be grateful for.”
- “Promise me you won’t…” (instead: get support)
- “Don’t talk like that.”
Mini safety plan
A simple mini safety plan (quick)
You can copy/paste these into your notes app.
When I feel unsafe, I will:
- Go to: __________________________
- Be near: _________________________
- Do a 2-minute reset: breathe out longer than in
- Remove/avoid: ____________________
People I can contact:
- Person 1: _________________________
- Person 2: _________________________
- School support: ___________________
- Helpline: _________________________
For parents, carers & teachers
Support tips for the adults around a teen
Do
- Stay with them and speak calmly
- Ask directly: “Are you thinking about harming yourself?”
- Remove means + reduce time alone (short term)
- Contact professional help / crisis services
Don’t
- Argue, shame, or lecture
- Assume it’s “over” because they seem calmer
- Rely only on promises — build a plan
- Leave them alone if risk feels high
Next steps
After the immediate moment passes, focus on ongoing support: check-ins, therapy/GP support, school adjustments,
sleep/food routines, and building coping tools.
Teens Mini Library / Quick Links
Swap these placeholders to your real URLs as you publish the pages.
