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If you or someone you know needs support, please call
Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
If there is immediate danger, call 000.
It has been the most taboo subject of them all, long considered something too serious, too dangerous, and too wrong, to talk about.
But that’s changing.
Now, we’re being urged by campaigns like World Suicide Prevention Day to see suicide as a health issue that needs to be part of public and private conversations.
Health professionals and research outcomes are encouraging us to talk more openly about suicide, whether we’ve had thoughts relating to it, or we’ve known someone who has died by suicide, or we work in a sector – like first responders – that has a high rate of risk.
Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians between the ages of 15 and 44.
Beyond Blue reports that first responders in Australia are twice as likely to have suicidal thoughts than the general Australian population.
One way to help, in addition to providing practical supports, is creating a culture where suicide can be openly discussed. This is something we all need to work towards to give each other the vital social support that can help everyone’s mental wellbeing.
While we used to be concerned that talking about suicide may be harmful, we now know that the opposite is true.
We need to talk about suicide so that we can learn how to support the people in our lives who are at risk. We need to talk about it so that those who find themselves struggling get to know how (and who) to ask for help.
We need to talk about it to break the taboo that has kept people silent for too long.
You won’t put someone at risk by asking them about suicide.
Feel nervous bringing up the topic of suicide with a friend, family member or colleague who might be struggling? That’s really normal: most people find it a difficult subject to raise.
If you’re worried about someone you know, it’s okay to ask them directly, ‘Are you having thoughts about suicide?’ It’s also a good idea to ask more questions if they say yes. ‘Do you have a plan?’ can help you decide if urgent help is needed.
Many of us think that asking a question like that will put the thought into someone’s mind, but research shows it’s more helpful to talk about it than to ignore the idea. You won’t put someone at risk by asking them about their thoughts of suicide.
If someone in your life admits to thinking about suicide, your role is to listen. You don’t need to be an expert to help them; connecting with them could make a big difference.
If you think they’re in immediate danger, call 000.
Encourage them to make an appointment with their GP, call a mental health helpline, or book in with Fortem’s Psychology Support.
Remind them that lots of people feel this way, and that it’s okay to talk about it. Reassure them that you won’t judge, and that you’re here to listen and support them.
It’s okay for you to call on professional help, too: having those conversations and worrying about someone in your life can feel challenging
Check in with them again over the coming days, weeks and months. Remind them that you’re here for them – while keeping your own boundaries in place – and encourage them to keep up their normal activities and to seek professional help.
If someone confides in you about their thoughts of suicide, there are some things to avoid saying:
If you or someone you know needs support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
If there is immediate danger, call 000.
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