Is a mate at risk of suicide?

How do you know if someone you work with, or know, might be considering suicide? How can you help them keep safe? What if you are having suicide thoughts yourself?

Ask

The short answer is that if you are concerned that someone may be at risk, you should ask them and work with them to get help to stay safe.

But what clues should you look for?

The 'When to be concerned' checklist can help spot some common clues. This isn't a complete list, and many things on the list could be true for any of us at one time or other.

Things that are no big deal for some people can be very hurtful and stressful for others. It's not just what's happening in people's lives but why it's important to them and how they react that matters.

'When to be concerned' is a guide to help you know when you should be concerned and when you might need to ask your mate about suicide.

Reach out

Suppose you are concerned and want to reach out to a mate – what then? Helping Tips provides some suggestions on what you could do.

Remember, your first goal is to help keep your mate safe from self-harm or suicide until you can get more help. You don't have to solve all their problems. Just having someone to talk to is a big first step, and can make people feel less alone.

You could support your mate to get help from family, friends, a counsellor, doctor or mental health professional, or suggest crisis telephone numbers like Lifeline 13 11 14 (in Australia).  Get help now has information on helplines that are available 24/7.

Other services and resources

The Services & Resources page on this website has more phone numbers and links to organisations that could help.

Most people who consider suicide would rather live and find a way to get help to deal with their problems. You can help a mate make the first steps toward safety.