Suicide prevention
Feelings of despair and hopelessness can be common in a young person with anxiety and depression. If you feel isolated and alone, and have thoughts of suicide, then you need to let someone know that you need help.
If you, or someone you care about, are in crisis and you think immediate action is needed:
- in an emergency call Triple Zero (000)
- contact your doctor or a mental health crisis service, or
- go to your local hospital emergency department.
Do not leave the person alone unless you are concerned for your own safety.
Why do people think about suicide?
There are a broad range of reasons that might contribute to a young person considering suicide. These can be related to their mood, what has happened in the past, what is happening currently in their lives, how they are coping and how supported and connected they feel.
Young people who think about taking their life often believe that nobody cares about them, that they don’t belong and that things are hopeless. They are often exhausted by their distress and unable to think clearly through any other options. They might be so unhappy that they are unable to sleep, eat, or enjoy any part of their life.
Feelings of hopelessness and thoughts of suicide can be much worse following very stressful experiences. These might include a relationship breakup or traumatic life event, feeling totally alone and without any friends or family, grief after the death of someone close, losing a job or failing a big exam. People with conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders or substance abuse may be more likely to think about suicide.
Visit the Beyond Blue website to find out more about the warning signs and what to do if you, or someone you know, is suicidal.
Seek support from others
Having supportive people around you is always important. Surround yourself with people that you trust who will listen to you without judgement and that you enjoy being with.
Find out more about who can support you.
Seek support from health professionals
Sometimes you need more than the assistance of your support network. By seeing a health professional, you can begin to address feelings or situations without being judged and instead be supported to find new ways to cope with difficult decisions, experiences or emotions.
Talk to your doctor or call the 1300 MH CALL (1300 642 255) Mental health access line. 1300 MH CALL is a confidential Queensland Health service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will link you to your nearest Queensland Public Mental Health service.
The 1300 MH CALL service:
- is the main point of access into public mental health services
- can provide support, information, advice and referral
- can provide advice and information in a mental health emergency or crisis
- is staffed by trained and experienced professional mental health clinicians
- will provide a mental health triage and refer to acute care teams where appropriate.
In an emergency, always phone Triple Zero (000).
Make a safety plan
Make a list of things that you can do when you notice your suicidal thoughts returning. Include things that calm you down, things you enjoy such as talking with friends, and things that help you to refocus your thoughts.
Beyond Now is a free app that puts your safety plan in your pocket so you can access and edit it at any time. You can also email a copy to trusted friends, family or your health professional so they can support you when you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts or heading towards a suicidal crisis.
Download the Beyond Now suicide safety planning app and watch some videos about people’s experiences with the app.
Supporting a friend
If a friend tells you about their thoughts of suicide you might react in a range of ways—upset, confused, shocked, angry, fearful or surprised. It can be hard to understand why someone wants to take their own life but whatever your reaction, it is important to talk with them about it.
Find out how to support a friend.
It can be a challenging, unfamiliar and uncomfortable conversation to start but it might be life-saving. Conversations Matter is a website that offers some practical suggestions on having a conversation about suicide.
Support for being bereaved or impacted by suicide
National StandBy Response Service
24-hour coordinated community response service to families, friends and communities who have been bereaved through suicide.
Information, resources and group support for those bereaved by suicide.
Get help
In an emergency phone Triple Zero (000).
1300 MH CALL
Phone Queensland Health’s 1300 MH CALL service on 1300 642 255 if you feel you may be in need of mental health support.
Youth Beyond Blue
Talk to someone
Give Youth Beyond Blue a call on 1300 224 636 any time of the day or night–select from the voice menu or simply hold on the line to talk with a trained mental health professional. They will be there to listen, offer support and point you in the right direction for the cost of a local call (could be more from mobiles).
Chat online
Sometimes you may not feel like talking on the phone, so why not chat to Beyond Blue online? They’re online 24 hours, 7 days a week. Get started.
Web chat is available within Australia only. For optimum security when using web chat, please ensure that pop-ups, JavaScript and cookies are enabled on your browser. This service also uses SSL to ensure your privacy and security through your chat.
headspace
Chat with a clinician online
Headspace is open 9am to 1am (Victoria time), 7 days a week for a 1-on-1 chat. It’s a confidential, free and safe space to talk about what’s going on.
Group chat
Group chat allows you to connect with other people like you. Led by a Headspace professional, group chats explore a range of helpful topics.
Visit the headspace website to find information on a variety of mental health issues affecting young people.