In Crisis

Empower Safety, Prevent Harm: Guidelines for Suicidal Thoughts and Urges

What can I do to help?

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges to self-harm, please inquire if they are feeling safe.

If they express feeling unsafe, please follow the guidelines below:

1. Ensure they are supervised by a reliable individual and do not leave them alone.

2. Remove any items that could be used to cause harm (such as medication or sharp objects).

3. Contact a healthcare professional immediately and arrange an appointment where you can accompany them to ensure their safety. The healthcare provider will take necessary steps to connect them with the appropriate services.

Immediate Action: Guidelines for Urgent Suicide Risk:

1. Take them to the emergency department at the local hospital and accompany them until they are assessed by the hospital staff.

2. If the person has already hurt themselves or is about to do so and requires immediate medical support, please contact 000.

If the person feels safe, please refer to the following guidelines:

In a warm and caring voice let them know that their wellbeing is very important and that you want to help them as much as possible.
Organise an appointment with a health professional to evaluate their level of risk. The health practitioner will link them with the appropriate support.

Health practitioners trained in evaluating risk may include:

1. Your local general practitioner (GP).

2. The emergency department at your local hospital.

3 . The Psychiatric triage at your local public hospital. The triage team will be able to assess the level of risk of your loved one over the phone or organise a home visit.

Crisis counselling contacts:

Please note that the following contacts do not evaluate risk but can offer support and referral for individuals who are at risk:

Lifeline 13 11 14 (General counselling)

Suicide Help Line 1300 651 251 (Crisis intervention and assistance)