If you believe someone is thinking about ending their life, it’s natural to feel panic or even want to avoid thinking about it. However, there are a number of practical things you can do to help.
Let them know you are concerned
- Tell them that you are concerned, and that you are there to help
Ask if they are thinking about suicide and if they have made any plans
- Talking about suicide will not make them take action
- Asking shows that you care and allows them to talk about their feelings and plans – the first step to getting help.
Take action to get help now
- Tell them that there are other options than suicide
- Don’t agree to keep their suicidal thoughts or plans a secret
- Don’t assume they will get better without help or that they will seek help on their own
Encourage them to get professional help
- Make an appointment with a GP and offer for someone to go along with them
- Contact a counsellor or employee assistance program, family member or friend
- Contact a specialist helpline for information and advice — they’re listed below
If they have made a plan to end their life
- Check if they are able to carry out this plan. Do they have a time, place or method?
- Remove access to objects they could use to hurt themselves
- Contact the psychiatric emergency team at your local hospital
- Call 000. Tell them the person is suicidal, has made a plan, and you fear for their safety
Take care of yourself
It is emotionally demanding to support someone who is suicidal. Find someone to talk things over with, like your family, friends or a helpline.
Factors associated with higher risk of suicide
These include:
- Talking about feeling hopeless and helpless
- Being socially isolated
- Having a recent loss — relationship, death, job
- Having made a previous suicide attempt
- Having a friend, family member or work colleague who has died by suicide
- Having a mental illness
- Behaving in a risky manner – drugs, alcohol abuse, driving recklessly