Why do I want to end my life?

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Are you finding yourself thinking about suicide? Your thoughts might involve wishing you were dead or you may have thought about how you would end your life. You might think that your family and friends would be better off without you. You may be feeling overwhelmed by situations in your life leading to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.

Although you may be feeling painfully alone right now, it is important for you to know that other people have thought about ending their lives too. Other people thinking about suicide will have had similar thoughts to your own.

Why do I feel like this?

There are many reasons why people think about ending their lives. Some common experiences include: 
  • Being abused, bullied (physical, emotional or sexual) or excluded
  • Significant loss, such as a life partner
  • Major life stresses (e.g. a relationship breakdown, legal or financial problems)
  • Chronic pain and chronic illness (including mental illness)
  • Unemployment
  • Alcohol and drug use

It might be that you are experiencing a combination of the above in your life that is leading you to feel overwhelmed and distressed. You might be feeling so troubled that you are unable to sleep, eat, or enjoy anything.

In an emergency

If you are in immediate danger, or concerned for your safety in any way: 

  • Call 000 (or 112 from a mobile) and request an ambulance. Stay on the line, speak clearly, and be ready to answer the operator’s questions
  • Visit you local hospital’s emergency department
  • Call your local Public Emergency Mental Health Service

Each of these emergency services teams are specially trained to support people in crisis, including people feeling suicidal, and are able to keep you safe.

What do I do next?

There are a number of services and professionals available to help you through this difficult time. You can find out more about the range of services available on our tip sheet Accessing professional support. There are also things you can do to help yourself when you’re feeling distressed or overwhelmed and thinking about hurting yourself or ending your life. Have a read of Helping yourself when you are suicidal for some ideas on what you can do to help yourself.