From Despair to Hope: Practical Strategies for Supporting Young People with Suicidal Thoughts
Tracks
Ballroom 2 - In-Person Only
| Tuesday, March 25, 2025 |
| 11:55 AM - 12:15 PM |
Overview
Siobhan Wilson, Our Pixie Friends Pty Ltd
Presenter
Miss Siobhan Wilson
Owner/founder
Our Pixie Friends Pty Ltd
From Despair to Hope: Practical Strategies for Supporting Young People with Suicidal Thoughts
Abstract
Suicide prevention efforts often emphasize adolescents, yet early intervention for younger children facing severe mental health challenges is equally crucial. This presentation offers a deeply personal perspective from Siobhan Wilson, a 15-year-old author who has contended with profound mental health issues from a young age.
Diagnosed with depression and suicidal ideations by age 9, Siobhan's journey provides critical insights into the experiences of young individuals dealing with self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Her story highlights the emotional turmoil and distress associated with these struggles, offering a rare and valuable viewpoint on the intense internal battles faced by young children with suicidal ideations.
In this session, Siobhan will share her personal experiences, including the feelings and reasoning behind her self-harm and suicidal thoughts. She will discuss the factors that contributed to these struggles and the ways in which she has navigated and overcome them.
Additionally, Siobhan will provide practical strategies and insights that have been instrumental in her recovery. Her presentation will offer actionable advice for caregivers, educators, and mental health professionals, focusing on how to support young people dealing with suicidal ideations and self-harm.
By combining her lived experience with practical guidance, this presentation aims to enhance understanding and improve approaches to preventing suicide and self-harm among younger individuals, contributing to more effective and compassionate support.
Diagnosed with depression and suicidal ideations by age 9, Siobhan's journey provides critical insights into the experiences of young individuals dealing with self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Her story highlights the emotional turmoil and distress associated with these struggles, offering a rare and valuable viewpoint on the intense internal battles faced by young children with suicidal ideations.
In this session, Siobhan will share her personal experiences, including the feelings and reasoning behind her self-harm and suicidal thoughts. She will discuss the factors that contributed to these struggles and the ways in which she has navigated and overcome them.
Additionally, Siobhan will provide practical strategies and insights that have been instrumental in her recovery. Her presentation will offer actionable advice for caregivers, educators, and mental health professionals, focusing on how to support young people dealing with suicidal ideations and self-harm.
By combining her lived experience with practical guidance, this presentation aims to enhance understanding and improve approaches to preventing suicide and self-harm among younger individuals, contributing to more effective and compassionate support.
Biography
Siobhan Wilson, 15, is a distinguished international speaker, author, philanthropist and advocate for children’s mental health and neurodiversity, offering critical insights for educators and healthcare professionals. Drawing from her personal experiences with severe, complex trauma, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, PTSD, and Non-Verbal Learning Disorder (NVLD), she provides deep understanding of the unique challenges many children face. As the founder of Our Pixie Friends and a Youth Advocate for the Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC), Siobhan’s work emphasizes resilience, inclusion, and advancing neurodiversity awareness. Her award-winning contributions guide professionals in fostering emotional well-being and creating supportive, inclusive environments for all children.
