Health information

There are many factors that can contribute to someone experiencing suicidal thoughts. These thoughts can be related to a person’s mood, past or current life circumstances, or as a part of a mental health condition.

Some people have thoughts of suicide when life seems unbearable and they want to end their pain. People who have suicidal thoughts may not actually want to die, they just can’t imagine another way out of what they are going through.

While the pain may seem overwhelming and permanent at the time, there are many things you can do to help manage these thoughts. We strongly encourage anyone with suicidal thoughts to seek support and assistance.

If you are feeling suicidal or want to end your life, it’s important you keep yourself safe:

• In an emergency, call 000
• If you are Australian (or in Australia) and need to talk right now:
  
  • Lifeline (24/7 Crisis Support) – ph. 13 11 14
  • Lifeline Crisis Chat - https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/
  • Beyond Blue (24/7 Advice and Support) – ph. 1300 224 636 or
  • Beyond Blue Webchat (24/7, one-on-one mental health support)
  • Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 (24/7 support, ANYTIME, FOR ANY REASON)
  • Suicide Call Back Service – ph. 1300 659 467
  • Suicide Call Back Service Online Chat & Video Counselling - https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/phone-and-online-counselling/
    (offers free professional 24/7 telephone counselling support to people at risk of suicide, concerned about someone or bereaved by suicide and people experiencing emotional or mental health issues).

Other support: see your general practitioner.

More information: Beyond Blue Suicide Prevention

For family and friends

• If you know someone who is in distress and you feel they may be unsafe and be considering suicide, reach out to them and ask them clearly if they are considering suicide.

• Listen to them and agree on a plan of action to help them help themselves (for example, going to the GP together, calling Kids Helpline, Lifeline, Beyond Blue or 000 together).

• Don't be afraid to ask the question clearly and directly about whether your friend or family member is considering suicide. You won’t be putting ideas in their head and it will help them realise that they are not alone.

• If you/someone you know has attempted suicide and needs urgent medical attention, call 000 for an immediate response.

Personal, social and environmental factors may alter an individual’s experience or perception of this information. A person’s culture, religion, spirituality or ancestral spirituality can influence how this information relates to your health & wellbeing, as well as your community.