The suicide rate among Australian teenagers has been rising steadily for the last 25 years; it is now the second leading cause of death for adolescents. Medical professionals dealing with young people are likely to be increasingly, if unknowingly, presented with the antecedents or sequelae to youth suicide or suicidal behaviour. This article aims to help clinicians recognize risk factors & warning signs for suicidal behavior, to conduct a systematic enquiry, & to institute appropriate treatment.