A heartbroken mother has made a powerful appeal to other parents after three teenagers committed suicide in the space of two weeks.
The youngest of the three Perth teenagers, Alexis, was just 13, and killed herself after bullies called her ugly online.
Debra Brumby, whose son Jimi McDowell was the same age when he took his own life last year, said parents should not give up when it comes to their children.
The youngest of the three Perth teenagers (pictured) was just 13, and killed herself after bullies called her ugly online
Debra Brumby (pictured), whose son Jimi McDowell was the same age when he took his own life last year, said parents should not give up when it comes to their children
‘They don’t need to do this, all he has done is left us in pieces. He’s now here, six foot under, for no good reason,’ Ms Brumby told Seven News at her son’s grave.
She spoke out as the families of young Alexis and two other teenagers from the same area search for answers.
Suicide is now the leading cause of death – making up a third of all deaths – for Australians aged 15 to 24.
In Western Australia alone this amounted to 54 deaths in 2016, more than one every week.
Ms Brumby spoke out as the families of young Alexis (pictured) and two other teenagers from the same area search for answers
‘You don’t get a do-over, guys, there is no second chance. Never give up, if one call fails try again,’ Ms Brumby said as she implored parents to act before it is too late.
Western Australia Health Minister Roger Cook agreed, saying teenagers and parents need to speak up if something is wrong.
‘Speak to someone you trust, like a GP or maybe a teacher at a school, but we have to act,’ he said.
Jimi McDowell (pictured), who committed suicide in a park near his home after being suspended from school, showed no signs of depression, Ms Brumby said
Jimi McDowell, who committed suicide in a park near his home after being suspended from school, showed no signs of depression, Ms Brumby said.
She has been campaigning for change ever since, calling for a broader community conversation about teenage suicide.
For confidential support call the 24-hour crisis support Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 to speak to trained counsellors.
Parents who need help talking to their kids can get tips for starting a dialogue at conversationsmatter.com.au.
‘They don’t need to do this, all he has done is left us in pieces. He’s now here, six foot under, for no good reason,’ Ms Brumby said at her son’s grave (pictured)