Responding

If someone posts something that makes you worry they're feeling suicidal, here are some different ways you can respond.

Take it seriously

Don't ignore it, dismiss it, or minimise how they might be feeling. Even if it's said as a joke.

If you're worried they might be in danger of harming themselves right now, call emergency services

In Australia, this is Triple Zero (000). It won't get them into trouble. If they told you how they're feeling in confidence, getting them life-saving help is more important than keeping their secret.

If you're worried about them, but they're not in immediate danger, you have some options

There are different steps you can take depending on how you’re feeling, how well you know the person, and what you feel is best. Start by checking in with yourself.

If they're not in immediate danger, and you decide you feel able to have a conversation with them, think about how to reach out

How to start, continue and end the conversation.

If they're not in immediate danger, and you don't feel able to support them, here are other ways you can help

You could share a supportive comment or DM showing them that you care, and remind them that help is available.

If they're not in immediate danger, you can also call a helpline for advice on how to support someone else

Lifeline, Kids Helpline, 13YARN and QLife all have people you can speak to and ask for advice.

Look after your wellbeing

Worrying that someone might be suicidal, and showing support for someone can be hard. After you've shown support, do something for yourself, and reach out to someone you trust to tell them how you're feeling.

Report the content to the platform it's on

This won't get the person into trouble. It could mean the content gets taken down, which can protect other people at risk of suicide from seeing potentially unsafe content.

Support services

☎️ Australian online and phone support services 📔 Social media platform resources