HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury
Suicide prevention in young people
Ārai mate whakamomori ki te hunga taiohi
Important
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call emergency services on 111.
If you or someone you know is safe but in a crisis and needs help, call the Child Adolescent & Family Emergency team (CAFEm):
- 0800-218-219 (select option 2) – 8.30 am to 5 pm weekdays
- 0800‑920‑092 – after hours (including weekends and public holidays)
You can also call the following suicide crisis helplines 24/7:
- Youthline 0800‑376-633 (you can also txt on 234 between 8 am and midnight)
- Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508‑828‑865
- 1737, need to talk? – 1737 (call or txt)
Many things can happen in your life that get you thinking about suicide. Maybe you are:
- feeling low
- facing a stressful event (like exams, a relationship breakup or a big change in your life)
- grieving because someone close to you has died
- feeling overwhelmed by bad things that have happened in the past
- struggling with depression, an eating disorder, bipolar disorder or alcohol or drug abuse
- feeling unsupported and like no one understands what you are going through.
You may think that no one cares about you, that you do not belong and that things are hopeless. You may feel exhausted and like you just cannot think clearly. You might not be able to eat, sleep or enjoy the things you used to enjoy.
It might not feel like it right now, but there are other options. There are people who understand and there are people who can help. Read the next page to find out how to get yourself safe and get help.
On the next page: What can I do if I am thinking about suicide?
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed December 2023.
Sources
See also:
Review key: HISUI-53221
