Suicide risk factors
The risk factors for suicide are often the kind of things that we all have experienced at some stage in our lives…
Myths about suicide
This tool aims to provide information on how to recognise and respond to suicide risk among others.
Where to go for more help
Fortunately there are many options for people to seek further help and advice, and there are some great information..,
Taking care of yourself
Your health is important. And your mental health is one of the most significant factors in helping another individual through a difficult time.
Decide and plan to help
Decisiveness and planning are key to a success outcome. How your approach a situation requires careful and considered thought…
What to say & do
Being “lost for words”, is not uncommon. Here we have provided some starting points and some key things to think about when your are approaching this confronting subject…
Who should help?
We should all feel that we are capable of helping, even in a small manner. Sometimes it can be difficult to determine whether you are the one…
How to interpret risks and warnings
We are all unique individuals and how we handle situations varies, however there are some key risk factors and warning sign you should be aware of…
Suicide warning signs
Some of the significant warning signs that a person is at risk of self harm include…
How to use this tool
This tool aims to provide information on how to recognise and respond to suicide risk among others.
It’s OK to feel uncertain
Supporting someone else who is going through a hard time can be difficult. It’s okay if you feel afraid, worried or even angry.
How to detect and respond to suicide risk in others.
In an emergency always call 000. For support, call Lifeline: 13 11 14.
Most people thinking about suicide do not seek professional help but do indicate their distress to family and friends. The community can help in the early detection of suicide risk, linking vulnerable people to professional support.
MTYTHS ABOUT SUICIDE
MYTH: Asking about suicide will plant the idea in someone’s head.
INFO: There is no evidence for this. Most people thinking about suicide feel relieved to talk about their thoughts and distress. Talking about specific methods to suicide increases risk.
SEXUAL, GENDER AND NEURO DIVERSE GROUPS
Some groups of people are more vulnerable and at risk of poor mental health and suicide than others, including neurodivergent or autistic people, and people who identify as LGBTIQP+. Members from these groups can experience up to 60 instances of discrimination per day and up to 70% of this group face challenges accessing appropriate mental health care who understand and support their diversity. It is vital to be aware of the different challenges and risk factors faced by people from these groups as part of suicide prevention as they are some of the most at-risk groups. The SRP was developed with people from these groups, and specifically identifies and discusses some of these challenges. It covers how to be a supportive ally, thereby mitigating suicide risk, for example, knowing that language matters. People usually respect when someone prefers a certain nickname. Using LGBTIQ+ people’s names and pronouns are no different. If you are unsure of someone’s pronoun or name, just ask them respectfully. When meeting someone new, use inclusive language by using gender neutral terms such as ‘partner’. For more tips on how to be an ally, visit the SRP website.
SUICIDE RISK FACTORS
RECENT LOSS/CHANGE (e.g., relationship break-up)
INTENSE EMOTION (e.g., shame, guilt, anger)
HISTORY (e.g., trauma, previous suicide attempt)
SITUATIONAL (e.g., bullying, discrimination)
IDENTITY (e.g., LGBTIQ+ orientation, autistic, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background)
WARNING SIGNS
LANGUAGE (e.g., I can’t do this anymore)
MOOD (e.g., withdrawn, sudden relief)
PHYSICAL (e.g., sleep issues, taking less care of self)
BEHAVIOUR (e.g., giving away possessions, writing a will, writing letters, self-harm, substance use)
HOW TO INTERPRET RISKS AND WARNINGS
Suicide is hard to predict, even for professionals. Take all signs seriously.
If someone presents with just one risk factor or warning sign, act.
WHO SHOULD HELP?
Most people when presented with a situation needing action do nothing due to fear and assuming someone else will help. If we all wait, nothing happens leaving persons at risk vulnerable. Take any small step you can or ask someone else to step in.
WHAT TO SAY, ASK & DO
SAY: “You’ve had a lot going on lately with [INSERT WARNING/RISK FACTOR] (e.g, losing your job)”.
ASK: “With all this going on, have you had any thoughts about suicide?”
If yes, ask if they have thought about how/where/when and if they are finding it hard to not act on the thoughts.
If yes, get them to see a GP as soon as possible and make sure they are supported until then. If they can’t keep themselves safe that day, take them to hospital. Call 000 in an emergency.
If no, keep listening. You don’t have to fix it, just give them space to talk.
DO: Encourage help-seeking: help book GP and/or counselling appointments, encourage them to speak to family, friend, coach, chaplain, boss. Follow-up and check-in.
DON’T SAY: I know how you feel. Don’t worry so much. It’s not that bad. Think of the positives. Others have it worse.
DON’T ASK: What have you got to be sad about?
DON’T DO: Forget to check in or follow-up, become too involved, react strongly with shock, anger or frustration.
Encourage talking: What has been going on for you? What feels too much right now?
Show empathy and compassion: This sounds difficult. It makes sense you have been feeling hopeless. I can see why you are feeling so low. I may not know how to help but I care and I am here. You are not alone. You are important.
Longer-term support: 1. Reduce stress. 2. Increase connection. 3. Increase meaning. 4. Increase activity. 5. Improve health.
DECIDE AND PLAN TO HELP
You don’t need to have any answers. Just notice, show up, ask, listen, validate and call for professional help in an emergency. Plan your first step: a phone call or text to check in with someone. Write yours here:
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
Supporting others can be difficult. Maintain healthy relationship boundaries. While it is important that we all take personal responsibility to do something or find someone who can, the person at risks’ past, response and the outcome is not your responsibility. All we can do is know the signs and act.
Where to go for more help
In any emergency call 000.
TELEPHONE:
You and others don’t need to wait for an emergency to call. These services are there to listen.
Lifeline
24-hour national telephone crisis counselling service and online counselling.
Kids Helpline
Free confidential 24-hour telephone and online counselling for young people between 5 and 18.
1800 55 1800
W: www.kidshelp.com.au
Suicide Call Back Service
24-hour national telephone counselling service to people 18 years and over and online services.
1300 659 467
W: www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
Beyondblue
24-hour telephone support and links to local services.
1300 22 4636
W: www.beyondblue.org.au
e-headspace
Telephone counselling for young people 12-25 years.
1800 650 890
W: www.eheadspace.org.au
Mensline
24/7 support for men regarding mental health, family violence, parenting, relationship support
W: https://mensline.org.au
1300 78 99 78
Parentline
Support for parents 8am-10pm, 7 days/week in QLD and NT
W: https://parentline.com.au
1300 30 1300
How to detect and respond to suicide risk in others.
In an emergency always call 000. For support, call Lifeline: 13 11 14.
Most people thinking about suicide do not seek professional help but do indicate their distress to family and friends. The community can help in the early detection of suicide risk, linking vulnerable people to professional support.
MTYTHS ABOUT SUICIDE
MYTH: Asking about suicide will plant the idea in someone’s head.
INFO: There is no evidence for this. Most people thinking about suicide feel relieved to talk about their thoughts and distress. Talking about specific methods to suicide increases risk.
SEXUAL, GENDER AND NEURO DIVERSE GROUPS
Some groups of people are more vulnerable and at risk of poor mental health and suicide than others, including neurodivergent or autistic people, and people who identify as LGBTIQP+. Members from these groups can experience up to 60 instances of discrimination per day and up to 70% of this group face challenges accessing appropriate mental health care who understand and support their diversity. It is vital to be aware of the different challenges and risk factors faced by people from these groups as part of suicide prevention as they are some of the most at-risk groups. The SRP was developed with people from these groups, and specifically identifies and discusses some of these challenges. It covers how to be a supportive ally, thereby mitigating suicide risk, for example, knowing that language matters. People usually respect when someone prefers a certain nickname. Using LGBTIQ+ people’s names and pronouns are no different. If you are unsure of someone’s pronoun or name, just ask them respectfully. When meeting someone new, use inclusive language by using gender neutral terms such as ‘partner’. For more tips on how to be an ally, visit the SRP website.
SUICIDE RISK FACTORS
RECENT LOSS/CHANGE (e.g., relationship break-up)
INTENSE EMOTION (e.g., shame, guilt, anger)
HISTORY (e.g., trauma, previous suicide attempt)
SITUATIONAL (e.g., bullying, discrimination)
IDENTITY (e.g., LGBTIQ+ orientation, autistic, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background)
WARNING SIGNS
LANGUAGE (e.g., I can’t do this anymore)
MOOD (e.g., withdrawn, sudden relief)
PHYSICAL (e.g., sleep issues, taking less care of self)
BEHAVIOUR (e.g., giving away possessions, writing a will, writing letters, self-harm, substance use)
HOW TO INTERPRET RISKS AND WARNINGS
Suicide is hard to predict, even for professionals. Take all signs seriously.
If someone presents with just one risk factor or warning sign, act.
WHO SHOULD HELP?
Most people when presented with a situation needing action do nothing due to fear and assuming someone else will help. If we all wait, nothing happens leaving persons at risk vulnerable. Take any small step you can or ask someone else to step in.
WHAT TO SAY, ASK & DO
SAY: “You’ve had a lot going on lately with [INSERT WARNING/RISK FACTOR] (e.g, losing your job)”.
ASK: “With all this going on, have you had any thoughts about suicide?”
If yes, ask if they have thought about how/where/when and if they are finding it hard to not act on the thoughts.
If yes, get them to see a GP as soon as possible and make sure they are supported until then. If they can’t keep themselves safe that day, take them to hospital. Call 000 in an emergency.
If no, keep listening. You don’t have to fix it, just give them space to talk.
DO: Encourage help-seeking: help book GP and/or counselling appointments, encourage them to speak to family, friend, coach, chaplain, boss. Follow-up and check-in.
DON’T SAY: I know how you feel. Don’t worry so much. It’s not that bad. Think of the positives. Others have it worse.
DON’T ASK: What have you got to be sad about?
DON’T DO: Forget to check in or follow-up, become too involved, react strongly with shock, anger or frustration.
Encourage talking: What has been going on for you? What feels too much right now?
Show empathy and compassion: This sounds difficult. It makes sense you have been feeling hopeless. I can see why you are feeling so low. I may not know how to help but I care and I am here. You are not alone. You are important.
Longer-term support: 1. Reduce stress. 2. Increase connection. 3. Increase meaning. 4. Increase activity. 5. Improve health.
DECIDE AND PLAN TO HELP
You don’t need to have any answers. Just notice, show up, ask, listen, validate and call for professional help in an emergency. Plan your first step: a phone call or text to check in with someone. Write yours here:
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
Supporting others can be difficult. Maintain healthy relationship boundaries. While it is important that we all take personal responsibility to do something or find someone who can, the person at risks’ past, response and the outcome is not your responsibility. All we can do is know the signs and act.