Help for others
Things to listen and look out for
Verbal
- “You won’t have to worry about me for much longer”
- “If I don’t see you again, thanks for everything”
- “I can’t live without her, there’s nothing to live for”
- “You’re better off without me, I’ll fix things”
- Open talk of death or suicide indicates a strong possibility of suicide, even more so if there’s evidence of a plan.
Any threat of suicide must be taken seriously
Behaviour
- Previous suicide attempts (may be self-harming behaviours)
- Talks about, writes about, hints or threatens suicide
- Giving away or packing up belongings, making a will or other ‘final’ arrangements
- Gathering together lethal objects
- Under the influence of drugs or alcohol and /or a history of drug / alcohol use
- Current or prior mental illness
- Deteriorating relationships with others and / or excessive dependency on a key person
- Isolating, being distant or remote, staying on their own for long periods, foetal position, vacant staring
- Changes in sleep patterns – insomnia or hypersomnia
- Changes in appetite – gain / loss in weight
- Impaired school work, truancy, running away
- Loss of interest in appearance and personal hygiene
Check in: How you may start the conversation
We understand it can be difficult to start a conversation when you are concerned about someone who may be at risk of suicide, here are some suggestions on how you may want to start:
- Q) Mate, I get the feeling something’s on your mind. Are you OK?
- Q) You don’t really seem like your old self and I’m concerned. What’s going on with you?
- Q) I’m really concerned about you. Can you tell me what’s going on?
- Q) I want you to know you’re not alone. I’m here for you. Can you talk about what’s going on for you?
Get them talking, connect with them, listen to them. If you have concerns that they may be thinking of suicide then ask them directly.
- Q) Mate, sometimes when people go through tough times they can think about ending their lives. Is this how you’re feeling? Are you thinking about suicide?
Listen without Judgement
When someone tells you they feel suicidal, or feel like “ending it all”, listen without judgment. Often having someone to talk to can help keep someone safe.
If someone tells you they have attempted suicide in the past and/or they have been in contact with a mental health professional then their risk of suicide is increased.
Please seek help from a professional in your area
Take them and their feelings seriously
When someone tells you they feel suicidal, or feel like “ending it all” – take them seriously. Every attempt to reach out for help is an opportunity to help keep someone safe.
Ask if they have a plan
When someone tells you they feel suicidal, or feel like ending it all – do they have a plan? If someone has a plan then you may need some help to keep them safe. Connecting in with a professional or someone who knows suicide first aid is the best thing to do.
Connect with professionals
When someone tells you they feel suicidal, or feel like ‘ending it all”, and/or they have a plan, connect in with professionals. Unless you are trained in suicide first aid it is best to connect in with someone with the tools to help keep them safe.
If you believe you, or someone you know, may be in immediate danger, please call 111.
