HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini
What to do if you think someone may be suicidal
This page has links to information in Chinese.
Important
If you're concerned that someone might act on a suicide plan, take action IMMEDIATELY to keep them safe.
- Stay with them or arrange a trusted adult to stay with them.
- Call your local emergency mental health service on 0800-757‑678 and explain why you're worried. They'll advise you what to do next.
- If the person you're worried about needs to be forcibly stopped from doing something that could end their life, call the police immediately on 111 for support. Stay with them until the police arrive.
Here are some things you can do or say if you think someone close to you may be suicidal:
Talk to the person. It isn't true that talking to a person about suicide means they're more likely to attempt suicide. It's more likely that the person will be grateful that you'll help them. Ask directly: "I'm frightened that you're thinking about killing yourself. Is this true?"
Try other things to say, for example:
- "You aren't alone"
- "I'll help"
- "I won't judge you"
- "I'm taking you seriously"
- "I know some ways we can get help"
- "I know you can get better from this illness if we get help".
Remind people of the positive things in their life and give them hope.
Remove any objects that could be used to attempt suicide.
Don't leave the person alone – get help.
Listen without judgement – don't get angry or minimise the problem.
If someone pushes you away and you're still frightened that they're at risk of suicide, the right thing to do is to get help for them. You don't have to worry about confidentiality or their wishes if you're concerned they may kill themselves. There's only so much you can do alone. It's OK to ask for professionals to help you.
Getting help
There are many people and organisations that can help your friend or whānau/family member. Contact the one that's easiest for you.
- Helplines for mental health.
- Their GP. If you need to find a general practice team, you can search on the West Coast PHO's website.
- Emergency Department or after-hours GP service.
- A counsellor, psychologist, therapist, or psychiatrist. If you need help to find one, you can search through the Mental Health Education and Resource Centre (MHERC).
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Mental Health Foundation
- Suicide: worried about someone?
Information about how to help someone who is at risk of suicide, including situations that may increase the risk of someone attempting suicide.
- Tihei mauri ora
This downloadable booklet has help and advice with a Māori perspective for whānau who are supporting someone in crisis or distress.
- Suicide: worried about someone?
- Le Va – FLO knowledge bank
Help and advice for Pasifika people affected by suicide or worried that they or someone they know may attempt suicide.
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Kai Xin Xing Dong – Mental health information in Chinese
Chinese-language resources developed by Kai Xin Xing Dong, which works to counter stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness in Chinese communities.
On the next page: Support after a suicide attempt (for family & friends)
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed October 2020.
SourcesReview key: HISUH-48714
