Understanding and Addressing Youth Suicidality: A Lived Experience Perspective

In this course, lived experience advisor and suicidology practitioner Grace Sholl, with a background in psychology and suicidology, introduces a practice-grounded lens on youth suicidality — spanning early onset, stigma-driven minimisation, and the real-world consequences of risk-averse systems. She outlines why suicidality must be addressed directly (not treated as a by-product of mental ill health), how fear-based pathways can escalate harm (including traumatic hospital experiences and repeated rejection), and why modern prevention must centre young people’s voices, protective factors, and psychosocial drivers. You will leave with clearer ways to think about assessment and support, including collaborative frameworks that promote agency, strengthen safety planning, and improve engagement with young people and families.