Why Families Do Not Need to Have All the Answers
For families, about 1 minute
There can be pressure within a family to have a clear answer or solution ready whenever someone is struggling. In reality, not having all the answers is normal, and honesty about that uncertainty is often more helpful than pretending to have a plan that does not exist.
Saying plainly that you do not know exactly what to do, but that you are committed to figuring it out together, can be more reassuring than false confidence. Families do not need to solve everything alone, only to stay engaged and willing to seek support together.
Lifeline is available on 13 11 14 at any hour, and Kids Helpline supports younger family members on 1800 55 1800, whenever a family needs extra support. It is fair to expect this to feel uncomfortable at first, and that discomfort tends to ease. This is a normal part of navigating a difficult period, not a sign that something has gone wrong.
Printed from suicide ends. If you need to talk to someone now, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 000 in an emergency.