(gentle music)

Narrator: When a friend is in a dark place, they might seem unreachable, but they're not. 

If you're worried that someone is thinking about suicide, it's important to follow your instincts take notice and try to help.

You might be afraid you'll make a problem worse, but speaking to them shows you see them, you care, and that they're not alone.

Look out for warning signs in your friends. They might seem super sad, irritable, or distracted.

Maybe they've pulled back from friend wanting to be alone, or using drugs or alcohol in unhealthy ways or self-harming.

They might talk about their life without hope, or a future, as if they're a burden on everyone.

First up, start the conversation.

Listen calmly without judging, or trying to fix them.

It's good to be direct if you think they're at risk, "I'm worried about you, are you thinking about suicide?"

If they've talked about ending their connect them to services that can keep them safe.

You could say, "We need a plan to keep you safe."

Decide with them who the best support people would be, keep the plan simple.

This might mean encouraging them to speak to their family, to their doctor, a school counsellor, psychologist, or to a helpline who can support them.

If you know their safety's at risk right now, don't carry this by yourself, call 000.

Try to involve your friend in seeking help.

And keep checking in with them, getting better takes time.

Even though it can be confronting, being brave and reaching out to make sure your friends are safe can make a massive difference.

Reach out for help whenever you need.

(gentle music)