Worried about someone

The idea that someone is feeling suicidal and wants to end their life can be a very confronting, and a difficult concept for many people. Understand the contributing factors and how you can help.

A person who is thinking about suicide may give some clues or suicide signs to those around them that indicate they are distressed. These are often referred to as suicide warning signs. Suicide prevention starts with recognising these suicidal warning signs and taking them seriously.

Learning that someone you care about feels suicidal often marks the beginning of a stressful time. While this news may come as a shock to you, supporting someone who is suicidal through this difficult time is important.

Discussing suicidal thoughts may seem like a daunting prospect. Learn to shape these discussions with clear and practical advice.

Looking after someone who is suicidal can be a difficult and overwhelming experience. After you’ve talked to them about how they’re feeling, the next step is to support them to get help and deal with these feelings, keeping them safe.

When looking after someone who is experiencing significant emotional turmoil, it can be easy to overlook your own needs. Make your own health and wellbeing a priority, even if only to ensure that you can continue to provide the best of care for them.

A suicide safety plan identifies the practical steps a person can take when they are having suicidal thoughts. The safety plan lists ways to cope and support options.

Ending significant relationships is difficult. In some situations, the overwhelming nature of the situation can lead to one partner feeling hopeless and suicidal. Learn how to support an ex-partner who is distressed or suicidal.

Discovering that someone you care about has tried to end their life can be a devastating experience. Understand the common feelings and reaction and learn how to support someone after a suicide attempt.

Self-harm behaviour describes someone deliberately inflicting injury, pain or damage to their body. It is important to take incidents of self-harm seriously and assist the person in getting professional help. Learn how to support someone who self-harms.

Depression is not always obvious and there can be many signs something is wrong. If you’re worried about your friend, here are some things to look out for.

Do you have a friend that is overwhelmed or struggling to cope? Having reached out and asked how they’re going, they’ve admitted they’re not coping well, but what next? Read our advice on how you can help a friend that’s overwhelmed.