Suicide Prevention Australia - Continuing improvement in suicide prevention

If You Are Feeling Suicidal

If you are feeling suicidal it is important that you take immediate steps to keep yourself safe.

1. Tell someone how you feel and, if possible, have them stay with you until you get help.

2. Contact a health professional and tell them you are feeling suicidal and need urgent assistance. See the Getting Immediate Help section (below) for the contact details of people who can provide immediate assistance.

3. Take practical steps to keep yourself safe by connecting with people, and managing your thoughts. See the factsheets provided under the Information and Resources section (below) for practical ideas.

  1. Getting Immediate Help
  2. Information and Resources

Getting Immediate Help

For immediate crisis intervention when life may be in danger ring the police on 000 or go to your local emergency department and ask for the Psychiatric Emergency Team.

There are a range of professional and supportive services where you can get help in a crisis including:

Some tips for getting urgent help include*:

  • Express the urgency of the matter without becoming aggressive
  • Speak clearly
  • Give the health professional specific examples of concerns
  • Give a brief history of self harm or harm to others
  • Ensure that you listen to their advice
  • If they are unable to help, ask them why and who you should contact. Don’t give up.

Taken from BeyondBlue

Jump to top

Information and Resources

SANE

SANE provide a number of factsheets including Thinking of suicide - Getting help if you’re feeling suicidal which lists practical things you can do if you are thinking about ending your life.

Suicide Call Back Service

The Suicide Call Back Service provides crisis counselling to people at risk of suicide, carers for someone who is suicidal and those bereaved by suicide, 24 hours per day 7 days a week across Australia. People who are not linked in with current professional support can also access up to six sessions of ongoing counselling with the same counsellor at times scheduled to suit you. The website offers a wide range of information to help understand suicidal behaviour and to obtain support. Call the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call (land line).

Toughin' It Out

This pamphlet from OzHelp helps you recognise and deal with suicidal thoughts. It provides practical tips to help keep you safe and become stronger.

Reach Out!

Reach Out! is a web-based service that inspires young people (aged 16-25) to help themselves through tough times. This article addresses how you may be feeling if you are wanting to end your life and provides practical strategies to help keep yourself safe. The website also offers fact sheets, forums, and other resources designed specifically for youth.

More information can be found under the Links section.

Jump to top