Suicide intervention

There is a common myth that talking about suicide can create or increase the chance of someone harming themselves. This is one of the biggest myths that surround this area.

Talking about suicide does not create or increase the risk of someone hurting themselves.

A large portion of people contemplating suicide usually communicate their intentions in some shape or form to a friend or family member before they attempt to harm themselves. This should be recognised as an invitation to assist them to seek professional help. Invitations may present in the following ways:

• withdrawing from others
• giving valued items away
• reported feeling hopeless or helpless
• talking about death and dying
• getting affairs into order
• frequent crying

Don't be afraid to ask the person directly if you are worried. You could say something like:

• 'Lately you have seemed sad and I am worried about you. Have you been thinking about suicide?'
• 'Have you thought about killing yourself?'

Whilst it can be confronting and scary to hear someone talk about suicide, for the person considering harming themselves, it can be liberating to say the words out loud. It is often such a taboo topic that people avoid actually taking about it, so giving them the opportunity to do so can help a lot.

So if your friend or family member answers yes... what do you do?

Helping someone with suicidal thoughts

Getting help