Suicide

There are some common warning signs that a person who is contemplating suicide might show.  Some of the common warning signs are:

1. Finalising behaviour, such as saying goodbyes, giving away belongings, making a will or making arrangements for family and pets.
2. Sudden shifts and changes in behaviour: more sad or withdrawn, increased tiredness or angry outbursts.
3. Overwhelming emotional pain: feelings that seem impossible to deal with.
4. Hopelessness: the feeling that things will never get better.
5. Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt, self-hatred, or "no one cares".
6. Powerlessness: the feeling that the emotional pain will not stop or go away.
7. Fear of losing control, harming yourself or others.

It is important to remember that it is normal for people to occasionally experience some of these symptoms sometimes.  However, if the problems are getting in the way of living life, or last for a prolong time, it is important to talk to someone.

Usually when someone is considering hurting themselves, they might think that suicide is a solution to their problems and pain. If you are someone who is thinking of suicide, or you know someone who is thinking of suicide, help is available.

More about where to go for support or help can be found at the following websites:

• Suicide prevention list of services 
• Lifeline  - support, help and information for people contemplating suicide.  Phone: 13 11 14
• ACROSSnet (Australians Creating Rural Online Support Systems)   - help members of rural and remote communities to access information, education and support regarding suicide prevention.
• Auseinet - the Australian network for promotion, prevention and early intervention for mental health.
• Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention's Life Promotion Clinic - provides support, information and research.
• Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention - provides support, information and undertakes research.
• CommunityMindEd - an advisory body on skills and workforce development.  The site has a free training resource produced to upskill Community Workers from the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector in mental health promotion and suicide risk reduction.
• Elder Suicide Primer - provides information, support and warning signs on older persons suicide risk.

Remember, you should seek professional help from a mental health professional, mental health service, your GP or health provider when problems arise.  For general health information, referral & teletriage services call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for the cost of a local call.