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Suicide

This page discusses suicide. If you feel like you’re going to act on suicidal thoughts, call 000 if you live in Australia. A number of crisis support services are also there for you – have a look at our urgent help page.

Are you feeling suicidal? Or do you know someone who might be experiencing suicidal thoughts? Sometimes it can feel like it’s too hard to go on. Remember that suicidal thoughts are just thoughts – you don’t need to act on them. You can take steps to feel better and keep yourself safe.

Find helpful tips for coping with suicidal thoughts, how to help someone who is suicidal, and what to expect when reaching out to suicide support services.

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‘I want to die': What to do if you’re having suicidal thoughts

If you’re feeling suicidal, there are things you can do to keep yourself safe.

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How to help and support a suicidal friend

If someone you know is at risk of suicide, watch our video on how to support them and help them stay safe.

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What to do if you're thinking about how to commit suicide

If you're wondering how to stop thinking about suicide, have a read of the coping strategy toolkit and know that there’s always someone you can talk to.

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How to talk to someone if you're thinking about suicide

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges, talking to someone you trust can help.

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How to make a safety plan

If you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts, it's important to have a plan for those times when you might feel alone or that there's nothing you can do to feel better.

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Create a suicide safety plan with the Beyond Now app

The Beyond Now app helps you create a safety plan that reminds you of reasons to live, things that make you feel strong and people you can yarn with.

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What to do when it feels like it's all gone wrong

Some days life can be really tough, whether you’re depressed, anxious or just having a really tough time, and it can be hard to know where to turn to get help. Here are some practical steps to take when everything goes wrong.

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How to talk safely about suicide online

Learn how to talk about suicide online in a way that doesn’t cause harm to yourself or others.

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Coping with suicide: Stories from young people

Hear from these young people on how they helped a friend with suicidal thoughts, how they coped when they lost a friend to suicide and how they reached out for help with their suicidal thoughts.

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Why talking helps

When you're going through a tough time, one of the best and most effective things you can do to feel better is to talk to someone.

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Warning signs of suicide: What to look out for

If you’re worried about a friend’s mental health and wellbeing, here are some ways to tell if they may be at risk of suicide, as well as tips on how you can be there for them.

Related topics

AnxietyDepressionProfessional help

Frequently asked questions about suicide

For emergency situations, call 000. You can also call:

Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) and headspace (1800 650 890) and 13YARN (13 92 76) also offer mental health support services that can help you navigate through suicidal thoughts and feelings.

Yes. Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) specialises in supporting young people aged 5-25, while services like Lifeline (13 11 14) and Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467) are available to anyone regardless of age.

When you call a suicide hotline, a trained counsellor will listen without judgement, assess your situation, and provide immediate support. They can help you create a suicide safety plan, discuss coping strategies, and connect you with ongoing support services.

No, suicide hotlines in Australia don't cost anything from landlines, and most mobile providers don't charge for these calls either.

Yes. You don't need to be in an immediate crisis to call a suicide hotline. These services support people experiencing any level of distress or suicidal thoughts. You can call to talk about your feelings, concerns, or challenges before they get worse. Early support is encouraged and welcomed.

Yes, you can text a suicide hotline in Australia. Lifeline provides crisis support via text and web chat services. Kids Helpline also offers web chat and email support. These text-based options can be helpful if you find it difficult to talk on the phone.

If someone shares suicidal thoughts with you, listen calmly and take them seriously. You can ask directly about suicide and stay with them if they're at immediate risk. Connect them with Lifeline (13 11 14) or emergency services (000) and remove harmful items if possible. Follow up later to show you care. Read more about how to support a suicidal friend.