If you are thinking of suicide, or are worried about someone else’s safety, contact emergency services on Triple Zero (000), go to the emergency department of your nearest hospital or make an urgent appointment with your GP.

If you, or someone you know, is having suicidal thoughts, you are not alone. Information, including ways to access support services, can be found below. 

When someone dies by suicide, up to 135 people are exposed to that loss. People may feel a mix of emotions following a loss due to suicide, including shock, sadness, anger, guilt and confusion, which may continue for many years. Life often presents us with overwhelming situations that can be difficult to deal with. People who feel suicidal often do not want to die but can see no other way to stop the psychological or emotional pain they are experiencing. It is important to remember that many people experiencing thoughts of suicide can and do recover.

If you’ve attempted suicide and don’t need emergency medical treatment, go and see your local GP and seek their advice. They will be able to provide you with referral options for ongoing support. 

The Suicide Call Back Service offer ongoing telephone or online counselling. You can also find valuable information for after a suicide attempt, including going home from hospital, and how to create a safety plan on their website.

Getting back on track after a suicide attempt often involves seeking support for the reasons for your distress. Be kind and patient with yourself. It can take some time but with the right support life can start to look better again. You can find the support that is available here.

What can you do to support someone who may be thinking of suicide?

Many people exhibit signs in the lead up to suicidal behaviour that can indicate their risk is escalating. Being aware of some of the more common warning signs can provide an opportunity to check in and offer support.

Behaviours that may indicate a person’s risk for suicide is escalating can include:

• verbal expressions, such as “you won’t have to bother with me anymore”, “I wish I wasn’t here”, and talk of being worthless, useless or hopeless
• withdrawal from friends and family and wanting to be left alone
• sudden shifts and changes in behaviour: more sad or withdrawn, increased tiredness or outbursts of anger or violence
• loss of interest in social activities they once enjoyed
• marked personal changes, including a decline in school or work performance and a lack of self-care
• engaging in risky behaviours, including increased use of alcohol and other drugs, or being careless and reckless
• increase in self-harming behaviours, such as cigarette burns or cutting oneself
• access to lethal means, such as medications or weapons
• making final arrangements, including a will (not necessarily a formal document), giving away prized possessions, and saying goodbye.

If someone you know has attempted suicide

Having someone close to you attempt suicide can be a difficult experience. Many of us have trouble knowing what to say or do to help. It is natural to have different feelings, thoughts and concerns. Creating a safe space where the person feels loved, accepted and supported can help.

For more information about what you can do to help support someone who has attempted suicide visit the Think Mental Health website.

It is also helpful to consider your own needs. Seeking support for yourself can help you manage your own distress and help you care for your loved one. Supports for people caring for loved ones at risk of suicide can be found here.

After a suicide

Any sort of death is difficult, and losing a loved one to suicide can be a particularly painful and confusing experience. It is sudden and shocking and may leave you with questions that are difficult or impossible to answer. The Mental Health Commission has produced a resource on grief and loss titled “When someone takes their own life…what next?”, which contains information on grief, the coroner’s office, finance, how to talk to children and funeral arrangements. It also has sections on social media, getting help and how to support a friend or colleague through the loss of a loved one to suicide. It is also available in hard copy by request.