If you are experiencing an emergency or are in immediate danger:
The factors associated with suicide are varied and complex
Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged between 15 and 44. Approximately eight people in Australia attempt suicide every hour and of those, on average, eight will die every day. Despite research and science, the honest answer is that we don't fully understand suicide. Despite the fact that there are many common factors and characteristics of suicide, predicting who will take their life is extremely difficult.
The information and resources here are intended to give you an overview of those complexities and provide ways to help someone considering suicide, understanding grief following losing someone and bereavement.
Immediate support
If you are having thoughts of suicide or know someone who is, please contact:
Emergency services (ambulance) on phone 000 or 112 from a mobile phone
Griffith's 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support Line on phone 1300 785 442 or text 0488 884 146
Suicide Call Back Service on phone 1300 659 467 or
Lifeline on phone 13 11 14.
Supporting someone who is suicidal
If you're concerned about someone and their possible suicidal thoughts or intentions, it is important to support and assist them in contacting help. Ask them directly about their thoughts; it's the only way to find out if someone's thinking about suicide. Remember:
- talking about suicide does not create or increase suicidal risk
- asking them about their thoughts shows you care
- it's the only way to take the first step towards getting them help and assistance.
Some helpful resources:
- Helping someone at risk of suicide toolkit: Lifeline
- What are the warning signs of someone thinking about suicide: Beyond Blue
- Having a conversation with someone you're worried about: Beyond Blue
Questions to ask
You can try asking the person you're concerned about:
- I'm concerned about you. Are you having thoughts of suicide?
- I'm concerned about what you said/wrote. Are you thinking about killing yourself?
If they answer yes
Get information about whether they have a plan, what the plan is and their timeframe for action. You can ask:
- Do you have a plan for suicide?
- Do you know what you will do and when?
If you are not with the person, get details of their whereabouts. Ask:
- Where are you?
- What is your phone number?
- Are you with anyone nearby?
If they have plans for suicide
- Tell them you are getting help.
- Stay with them or on the phone with them.
- Call 000 (012 on mobile).
- Call campus security on 3735 7777 (if on campus).
Are you worried about suicidal thoughts?
Having thoughts about suicide can be frightening and challenging. Maybe they are brand new to you, or they may have been present for while and you are not sure how to respond to them.
You may feel ashamed or worried about talking about them, however talking can help. Just by letting someone know, whether that is friend, a counsellor, a family member or a crisis line can be very helpful. Starting the process to talk about these things can be very hard, but it get easier as soon as you open up.
You can read more about being worried about suicide here.
Coping with the suicide of a loved one
Having many different emotions and thought such as anger, grief, sadness is a normal response to losing someone important to us. There is often a long process where these emotions and thoughts will constantly change. It can have a big impact on a persons physical and mental health.
Factsheets to help understand Suicide - Lifeline
Staff Resources
Counselling and Wellbeing have developed a resource for Griffith University staff on guidelines for assisting students at risk or in distress. If you are concerned about a student, please don't hesitate to contact Student Services.
Crisis support
If you are in an emergency, or at immediate risk to yourself or others, please contact emergency services on 000.