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How to tell someone you are thinking about suicide

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Conversation guide Supporting yourself
How to tell someone you are thinking about suicide

Telling someone else you are thinking about suicide can be hard. It can feel like stepping into the unknown – what will happen when I say these things out loud? How will the person respond? 

You may have had previous experiences that have resulted in emergency services, including the police getting involved or being taken to hospital against your will.  

You might be worried about hurting the people you care about. 

You might be feeling like you don’t even know where to start, or that there is no one reason you are thinking about suicide.  

These are very valid thoughts and concerns. It’s so important we reach out when we need support and learn how to have these hard conversations. 

I’ve been feeling like I’m worthless. I don’t know what to do
Wow. That’s a lot. What’s going on?
It’s hard to talk about. But I think I really need some help. I’ve been thinking about suicide a lot and I don’t know what to do
That sounds really serious. I want to help you. What do you need right now?
Asking someone if they are thinking about suicide
On this page there is a conversation guide for asking someone if they are thinking about suicide
Supporting someone else through crisis