Suicide

Sometimes life can be overwhelming and suicide may seem like the only way to relieve the pain.

1 in 6 Australians will have thoughts of suicide at some point during their lives. Suicidal thoughts are common but they can pass. You don't need to act on them.

On this page we'll help you find information and support if you're feeling suicidal, unsure what to do after a suicide attempt, supporting someone else or have lost someone to suicide.

If you're in crisis right now, support is available.

suicide-landing

Crisis support options - for urgent help

If you're seriously injured or at risk of harming yourself right now, call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance. For free, confidential 24/7 counselling call or chat online to Lifeline or Suicide Call Back Service. No problem is too big or small.

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Call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance
Contact Lifeline online or on 13 11 14
Contact Suicide Call Back Service online or on 1300 659 467

Feeling suicidal

If you’re feeling suicidal, please know that suicidal thoughts can pass. You don't need to act on them.

We’ll help you understand suicidal warning signs, how to stay safe and get support if you’re feeling suicidal.

Feeling suicidal

Beyond Now - suicide safety planning app

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A personalised suicide safety plan gives you 7 steps to follow if you start to feel suicidal:

  1. recognise your warning signs
  2. make your surroundings safe
  3. remind you of reasons to live
  4. find things that can make you feel strong
  5. connect with people and places
  6. talk to family and friends
  7. get professional support.

Often a health professional will work with you to develop a safety plan. You can also create one yourself using our Beyond Now app.

Research shows that suicide safety planning:

  • makes suicidal thoughts less severe and intense
  • helps you cope with the thoughts.

Learn more: Beyond Now suicide safety app

After a suicide attempt

Getting your life back on track after attempting suicide can be challenging. It takes time to recover physically and emotionally. Our resources and information can help you stay safe, talk to others and get the support you need.

After a suicide attempt

Worried about someone suicidal

If someone you know seems to be struggling, the most important thing you can do is listen and show you care. Learn about the warning signs, how to talk to someone you’re worried about and how to look after yourself.

Worried about someone suicidal

Finding a way through suicidal feelings: 8 stories of hope

One of the common misconceptions about suicide is that it’s a selfish act.

Watch more stories about finding a way through suicidal feelings

Read transcript

After a suicide loss

Losing someone to suicide can feel intense, confusing and often overwhelming. It can leave you with many unanswered questions.

We have resources and information to support you after a suicide loss. We can help you cope with grief and trauma, support someone else and talk to children about a suicide loss.

After a suicide loss

Suicide and mental health

Suicidal behaviour indicates deep unhappiness, not necessarily a mental health issue. Many people living with mental health issues aren’t suicidal, and not all people who take their own lives have a mental health issue.

Learn about mental health

Suicide risk factors

The reasons that people take their own lives are often very complex. Risk factors (sometimes called vulnerability factors) can increase the likelihood of suicidal behaviour. 

Known risk factors for suicide include:

  • previous suicide attempts
  • history of substance abuse
  • history of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • relationship problems such as conflict with parents or intimate partners
  • legal or disciplinary problems
  • access to harmful means, such as medication or weapons
  • recent death or suicide of a family member or a close friend
  • ongoing exposure to bullying behaviour
  • physical illness or disability.

Related information