Sometimes, life's problems can feel so painful and difficult to manage that some people might start having suicidal thoughts.
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.
In an emergency, call 000
If you are in an emergency situation where you are worried about your safety or someone else's, call 000 for an immediate response.
If you need to talk, contact Lifeline, SuicideLine or Beyond Blue.
Getting help
- See your GP - you can also get a referral to a counsellor, psychologist or mental health service
- Talk to a person you feel comfortable with - a family, friend, work colleague
- See a general counsellor
- See a psychiatrist or psychologist
To talk to someone right now, contact:
For family and friends
If you have a friend or family member who is going through tough times 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 Lifeline, SuicideLine, Beyond Blue or 000 together).
Don't be afraid to ask directly 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.
Links
A national directory of health services and practitioners, including GPs, pharmacists and hospitals.