How to break negative thought loops
We all worry at times, but what should you do when your thoughts spiral out of control into a negative thought loop?
Read moreWhy do I want to end my life?
Are you finding yourself thinking about suicide? Although you may be feeling painfully alone right now, it is important for you to know that other people have thought about ending their lives too. There is help available.
Are you finding yourself thinking about suicide? Your thoughts might involve wishing you were dead or you may have thoughts about how you would end your life. You might think that your family and friends would be better off without you. You may be feeling overwhelmed by situations in your life leading to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.
Although you may be feeling painfully alone right now, it is important for you to know that other people have thought about ending their lives too.
Other people thinking about suicide will have had similar thoughts to your own.
Why do I want to end my life?
There are many reasons why people think about ending their lives.
Some common experiences include:
- Being abused, bullied (physical, emotional or sexual) or excluded
- Significant loss (such as a life partner)
- Major life stresses (relationship breakdown, legal or financial problems)
- Chronic pain and chronic illness (including mental illness)
- Unemployment
- Alcohol and drug use.
It might be that you are experiencing a combination of the above in your life, and that is leading you to feel overwhelmed and distressed. You might be feeling so troubled that you are unable to sleep, eat or enjoy anything.
What do I do next?
There are a number of services and professionals available to help you through this difficult time. You can find out more about the range of services available on our Accessing professional support page.
There are also things you can do to help yourself when you’re feeling distressed or overwhelmed and thinking about hurting yourself or ending your life. Have a read of our Helping yourself when you are feeling overwhelmed and suicidal page.
In an emergency
If you are in immediate danger, or concerned for your safety in any way:
- Call 000 and request an ambulance. Stay on the line, speak clearly, and be ready to answer the operator’s questions
- Visit your local hospital’s emergency department.
If you are feeling suicidal and need someone to talk to, call the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 to speak to a counsellor.
If it is an emergency, please call 000.
More from feeling suicidal
Help for suicide emergency - Crisis assessment and treatment teams
Made up of psychiatric nurses, social workers psychiatrists and psychologists, Crisis assessment and treatment teams (CATT) are based at your nearest local major hospital, and provide help during mental health emergencies.
Read moreMaking a safety plan
A suicide safety plan can help to keep you safe when you are low and feeling suicidal. Your safety plan will remind you of reasons to live and connect you with the people and services who can help during tough times.
Read moreAccessing professional support
Feeling suicidal can be an overwhelming and painful experience, but it is not something you have to bear alone. Asking for help is an important step towards getting the professional support you need.
Read more