Suicide

What should I do if I’m feeling suicidal?

Don’t hesitate to call an emergency contact like Lifeline 13 11 14. They are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and have trained people waiting to take your call. 

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact or a close friend who you trust, and tell them you are feeling suicidal. Make an appointment with a doctor and tell them you have been having suicidal thoughts.

If you have already received treatment for depression, contact the person who has been giving you the treatment to let them know that you are feeling suicidal.

It is very important to understand that having suicidal thoughts is a symptom of illness. As such, they can be treated if you seek help.

 
What should I do if I’m worried about someone I know?

Talk of suicide should be taken seriously and treatment should be sought immediately.

If you are worried about someone, see someone acting unusually, or if you have a feeling that all may not be right, don’t be afraid to go and ask: “Are you alright? Do you need some help?” No-one likes to feel they are interfering, but this simple human interaction could save a life.

 
Here are some other simple words you can use to connect with someone that you are worried about
 
  • Is everything okay?
  • Can I sit with you for a while?
  • What are your plans for tomorrow?
  • Is there someone I can call for you?
  • I'm here for you.
  • I hate to see you feeling so sad.
  • Would you like to talk?
 

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring – all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”

~ Leo Buscaglia

 
Some warning signs of suicide

 

  • Talking about there being ‘no point’ or ‘no hope’
  • Making remarks about death, dying and suicide
  • If someone close to you is suicidal or unsafe, talk to them about it and encourage them to seek help.
  • Out-of-character behaviour, such as recklessness in a normally careful person
  • A sudden mood change to an unusual calmness (a suicide plan may offer relief or lift mood)
  • Giving away prized possessions to relatives and friends
  • Making out a will

 

Take away risks (e.g. remove guns or other dangerous weapons and lock away keys of the car if the depressed person is angry, out of control and wanting to drive off into the night).

Helpful Links

Reach Out - Suicide
Australian website Reach Out offers an article on what you can do if you're feeling suicidal, why people would want to commit suicide, and what is the difference between self harm and suicide.

Teens Health - Suicide
A page from USA site Teens Health about suicide. It explains the warning signs, what you can do, and also about life after suicide and how to cope with the loss of a friend of loved one.

Suicide Prevention Australia
Links and information for getting help for yourself and others.

Australian Suicide Prevention Foundation
Info for young adults about dealing with stress to help with suicide prevention in Australia.

Open Doors - Suicide
Links to help about suicide specifically for gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender people.

Canadian Mental Health Association - Suicide
The Canadian Mental Health Association provides a revealing page on suicide including the myths about it, what the signs are, and what you can do to help.

ABC - Youth Suicide Stats Prompt New Approach
A news article from ABC.net.au about how the authorities in Queensland are trying to reduce the problem of suicide in their state.