If you, or someone you care about, is in crisis and you think immediate action is needed, call emergency services (triple zero or 000), contact your doctor or mental health crisis service, or go to your local hospital emergency department. Do not leave the person alone, unless you are concerned for your own safety.
There are a number of warning signs that a person might be thinking about suicide. Some of these include:
- discussions surrounding suicide, even if it seems to be a joke
- being moody, withdrawn or sad (note that a sudden positive mood can also be a bad sign as it may mean a person has made up their mind to suicide)
- losing interest in things they previously enjoyed
- taking less care of their appearance
- anxiety or agitation, including difficulty concentrating or sleeping
- engaging in self-destructive or risky behaviour
- increased use of alcohol or drugs
- previous suicide attempts
- giving possessions away and saying goodbye
- gaining access to a means of ending their life.
Here are three steps to help prevent suicide.
