Ask them if they’re okay and if they’re thinking about suicide
Someone I know is thinking about suicide
If you’re worried that somebody you know is thinking about suicide we’ll help you identify the signs and figure out what you can do to help.
Content Warning: this article contains information about mental health which may be distressing or triggering.
How do you know if somebody is thinking about suicide?
While there’s no sure way to tell if somebody wants to end their life (unless they tell you) we’ve listed some warning signs to look out for.
They might:
Text/talk/post about not wanting to be ‘here’ anymore
Feel lots of pressure to conform or be somebody they’re not
Question their own value or worth
Be sad and depressed
Have mood swings
Have relationship problems or are going through a difficult breakup
Lose their job
Have financial problems
Appear flat and express little emotion
Talk about feeling empty or numb
Self-harm
Get bullied at school, university, work, or at home
Talk about being unhappy with their life
Post stuff online about suicide, death, or wanting to die
Withdraw from their friends and family
Suddenly appear happy after being sad for a while
Cry about things often
Use drugs or alcohol to cope
Get upset or angry by little things
Know somebody who has died by suicide
“Don’t be afraid of being direct with somebody – ask them outright if they are thinking about suicide and take the time to listen and show you care.”
How can I help?
Suicide can be a scary topic to talk about but it’s important to get it out in the open.
If you’re concerned about a friend, here’s some things you can do:
Be open to listening to them and talking about suicide
Encourage them to talk to somebody they can trust
Show them you care and that they’re not alone
Help them to make an appointment with a doctor
Encourage them to call Kids Helpline for support
If you’re worried that somebody you know is thinking about suicide, we’re here to help.
Talking with a trusted friend, family member, or counsellor can help you figure out how to help that person.
If someone you know has a plan to end their life call one of these 24 hour crisis telephone lines and get help:
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (5-25 year olds)
Lifeline 13 11 14 (all ages)
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 (15 years and over)
This content was last reviewed 14/02/2018
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