How to raise awareness - World Suicide Prevention Day
It’s not just about raising awareness of the problem itself — it’s about raising awareness of what issues contribute to Australia’s high suicide rate.
Read moreHelp someone create a suicide safety plan
A safety plan identifies the practical steps the person can take when managing a suicidal crisis that they understand will help them regain a sense of control, and identify the support systems available to them.
A suicide safety plan can sometimes be helpful for someone who is suicidal.
A suicide safety plan (sometimes called a safety contract) is an agreement given by the person that they won’t harm themselves for a certain period of time.
It usually involves a commitment from the person not to harm themselves without first making contact with an agreed person to let them know how they are in crisis and thinking of acting on their suicide plan. The nominated person must also know of the safety plan and consent to their involvement as a point of contact when the person is in crisis or danger of harming themselves.
They must also have the confidence to be able to know what to do and how to act should the person contact them as part of their safety plan.
A safety plan identifies the practical steps the person can take when managing a suicidal crisis that they understand will help them regain a sense of control, and identify the support systems available to them.
Helping Someone: The plan must be achievable and realistic
It is important that the safety plan also includes contacts that are available at all times, such as:
- Trusted family members
- 24-hour suicide helplines
- Mental health professionals.
These numbers need to be written down and easily accessible for the person in the event that their suicidal thoughts intensify and immediate assistance is needed.
The contract can specify what is to happen when it is clear that the person is at imminent risk i.e., presenting at emergency in hospital, or calling an ambulance.
For more information see our Making a safety plan page.
In an emergency
If you are with someone who is in immediate danger, or concerned for their 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.
If you are worried about someone, and need someone to talk to, call Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 to speak to a counsellor.
If it is an emergency, please call 000.
More from worried about someone
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A person who is thinking about suicide may give some clues or suicide signs to those around them that indicate they are distressed. These are often referred to as suicide warning signs. Suicide prevention starts with recognising these suicidal warning signs and taking them seriously.
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