Talking about suicide

If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, it’s important to reach out to someone who can help and support you. While it might be tough to open up about your feelings, sharing them can ease your burden and help you find ways to cope. Thoughts of suicide can be distressing and feel isolating, but by letting someone know what you are going through, you can start to receive the support you need.

If you are unsure who to talk to about suicide or how to start the conversation, keep reading for guidance.

Who can I talk to?

While it can feel hard to approach someone to open up about thoughts of suicide, remember that the right people will want to listen, help and be there for you. If you aren’t sure who to speak to, here are a few important things to consider.

Talk to someone you trust

Choose someone you trust and feel comfortable being honest with, whether it’s a friend, family member, teacher, mentor, or another trusted person in your life. Look for someone who knows you well and will listen to you when you need to talk. Since these conversations can be tough, it’s important to feel at ease and able to share openly with the person you choose.

Talk to your doctor

Talking to your doctor (GP) can be a good place to start, as they can also provide referrals for other services if needed. Be honest with your doctor about your suicidal thoughts and feelings so that they can provide you with the best support. Visit the Healthdirect website to search for a GP if you don’t already one.

Talk to a mental health professional

Mental health professionals such as counsellors and psychologists are trained to help and can offer expert advice and support. Some people prefer this option as it provides a safe environment to open up to someone who isn’t part of their personal life.

You can talk to a counsellor on a helpline such as Suicide Call Back Service (call 1300 659 467), which is free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

You can also search for services in your local area using one of the national directories below:

• Lifeline service finder is a directory of free or low-cost health and community services available in Australia.
• Healthdirect service finder is a comprehensive directory of healthcare professionals and services in Australia.
• Head to Health can direct you to mental health support.

If you are in an emergency, please call 000 immediately.

What do I say?

Be clear and honest about all the things that are troubling you, including your suicidal thoughts and feelings.

Consider thinking beforehand about what is bothering you and how it affects you. Let the person know you have been struggling and how you feel.

Here are a few ways to begin the conversation, and feel free to adjust them to fit your own style. Starting this conversation might feel hard, so go at your own pace and make sure you’re comfortable.

• ‘I have a few things on my mind, can we have a chat?’
• ‘I have been having a difficult time lately, I am wondering if we can talk about it.’
• ‘I am feeling really upset and am worried about my thoughts.’
• ‘Things have felt overwhelming recently and I am feeling really upset, I need to talk about it.’

If you can’t meet face-to-face for the conversation, consider doing it over the phone or writing a letter so you can communicate everything you need to in a way that best suits you.

Talking about suicide with a health professional

When discussing your thoughts about wanting to end your life or hurt yourself to a health professional, it is important to let them know whether you have:

• been thinking more often or in more detail about how you would end your life or hurt yourself.
• access to the means to carry out these ideas, or taken steps to obtain these means.
• thought about when and how you would end your life or hurt yourself.
• tried to hurt yourself or end your life before, and if so, how you did it.
• made a definite decision to end your life or hurt yourself.

Talking about suicide to a health professional and providing this information is an important part of making sure you get the right support to help you through distressing times.

For more resources, see Accessing professional support and Helping yourself when you are suicidal.

In an emergency

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

• Call 000 and request an ambulance. Stay on the line, speak clearly, and be ready to answer the operator’s questions.
• Visit your local hospital’s emergency department.

Get Help Now

Many people experience suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives. Please remember you are not alone. Your life is valuable and there are people who want to support and help you.

If you are feeling suicidal and need someone to talk to, call the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 to speak to a counsellor.

If it is an emergency, please call 000.