If you’ve just attempted suicide, it’s important to see a doctor or mental health worker. You can go to either a hospital or local medical clinic, such as your GP or doctor. They’ll make sure your physical and mental health are both
okay.
Hospital after a suicide attempt
At hospital, medical staff will look at physical injuries first. After these have been treated, you’ll see a mental health worker.
The mental health worker will talk with you about what’s happened, why, and whether you’re still at risk. They’ll ask you:
- how your mood has been
- how you’ve been managing your day-to-day activities (for example, work and family responsibilities)
- how your relationships have been going
- if you’ve been experiencing any major stresses.
The mental health worker will help you make plans for the next few days and weeks. They might also make appointments or recommend you contact an appropriate health service.
Going to the doctor after a suicide attempt
If you go to a local medical clinic a general practitioner (GP) will talk to you about what’s happened and find out if you need any medical tests.
After a physical health check, the doctor will talk more about:
- what’s been happening
- what supports are available at home
- if there are any risks of further harm.
They might also suggest that going to see a local counsellor or health service would be helpful.
The GP will put plans in place to ensure you have support over the following days and weeks. They’ll probably suggest you return for follow-up appointments to monitor how you’re going and whether you have enough support.
Consider taking someone with you to the hospital or doctor
Immediately after a suicide attempt you might find it hard to think clearly or remember details of conversations. You may also find it is hard to talk about what’s happened or to describe to others how you’re feeling.
Consider involving someone you trust in conversations with the health professional. They can be a second pair of ears and provide extra information in discussions.