Someone I know is thinking about suicide
If you’re worried that somebody you know is thinking about suicide we’ll help you identify the signs and figure out what you can do to help.
Content Warning: this article contains information about mental health which may be distressing or triggering.
If someone you know is ending their life right now call 000
If someone has told you they have a plan to end their life, you're not alone.
Call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or start a webchat. We’ll help you figure out what to do.
How do you know if somebody is thinking about suicide?
While there’s no sure way to tell if somebody wants to end their life (unless they tell you) we’ve listed some warning signs to look out for.
They might:
- Text/talk/post about not wanting to be ‘here’ anymore
- Feel lots of pressure to conform or be somebody they’re not
- Question their own value or worth
- Be sad and depressed
- Have mood swings
- Have relationship problems or are going through a difficult breakup
- Lose their job
- Have financial problems
- Appear flat and express little emotion
- Talk about feeling empty or numb
- Self-harm
- Get bullied at school, university, work, or at home
- Talk about being unhappy with their life
- Post stuff online about suicide, death, or wanting to die
- Withdraw from their friends and family
- Suddenly appear happy after being sad for a while
- Cry about things often
- Use drugs or alcohol to cope
- Get upset or angry by little things
- Know somebody who has died by suicide
“Don’t be afraid of being direct with somebody – ask them outright if they are thinking about suicide and take the time to listen and show you care.”
How can I help?
Suicide can be a scary topic to talk about but it’s important toget it out in the open.If you’re concerned about a friend, here’s some things you can do:
Ask them if they’re okay and if they’re thinking about suicide
Be open to listening to them and talking about suicide
Encourage them to talk to somebody they can trust
Show them you care and that they’re not alone
Help them to make an appointment with a doctor
Encourage them to contact Kids Helpline for support
If you or someone you care about is in immediate danger please call 000
If you’re worried that somebody you know is thinking about suicide, we’re here to help.
Talking with a trusted friend, family member, or counsellor can help you figure out how to help that person.
If someone you know has a plan to end their life call one of these 24 hour crisis telephone lines and get help:
- Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (5-25 year olds)
- Lifeline 13 11 14 (all ages)
- Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 (15 years and over)
This content was last reviewed
