HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury

Suicide prevention

Ārai mate whakamomori

 

Suicidal feelings are frightening and overwhelming. But many people have suicidal thoughts and get better with help.

You may think that no one cares about you and that things are hopeless. You may feel exhausted and like you just cannot think clearly. You might not be able to eat, sleep or enjoy the things you used to enjoy.

It might not feel like it right now, but there are other options. There are people who understand and want very much to help. Although it can be hard, it is VERY important that you ask for help.

There are several things you can do if you are having suicidal thoughts.

• Remember that thoughts of suicide are just thoughts – you do not have to act on them. You might feel differently in a few hours.
• Postpone any decision to end your life. Give yourself time to get the support you need.
• Remove anything in the house that you might use to harm yourself. Perhaps give it to a friend, whānau (family) member or another trusted person.
• Keep support line phone numbers in your mobile phone so you can ring them whenever you need to.
• Avoid being alone. Have someone near you until your thoughts of suicide go away.
• Do not drink alcohol or take drugs. If you take them, you will probably feel even worse and find it harder to make good decisions.
• Make a plan for who you can contact whenever you are feeling really low. You could also install the Manawa suicide safety plan app.
• Ask someone you trust to help you draw up your own safety plan.

Getting help

There are many people and organisations that can help. Contact the one that is easiest for you.

• Someone you trust – a friend or whānau member or anyone who supports you in your life.
• One of these free support lines.

  Suicide Crisis Helpline – Phone 0508‑828‑865 (0508-TAUTOKO) (available 24/7). Highly trained and experienced telephone counsellors who have undergone advanced suicide prevention training.

  1737, need to talk? – Phone 1737 or 0800-1737-1737 or txt 1737 (available 24/7). Trained counsellors who use proven behavioural support techniques.

  Lifeline – Phone 0800-543-354 or txt 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7). Free confidential professional counselling service.

  Samaritans – Phone 0800-726-666 (available 24/7). Confidential emotional support to those experiencing loneliness, depression, despair, distress or suicidal feelings.

  Rural Support Trust – Phone 0800-787-254. Free confidential advice from a coordinator familiar with rural issues.

• Your general practice team.
• A counsellor, psychologist, or psychiatrist. You can find one through the Family Services Directory.
• The Emergency Department.
• Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Specialist Mental Health Services. For Christchurch phone 0800-920-092, for Ashburton phone 0800-222-955.

Different cultures

Different cultures have different views about suicide. You can read information that is relevant to your culture and background.

• Le Va – FLO knowledge bank

  Help and advice for Pacific peoples affected by suicide or worried that they or someone they know may attempt suicide.

• Te Au – Preventing suicide

  Te Au is focused on promoting hauora and for Māori whānau to address the issue of suicide within communities throughout Aotearoa.

• Kai Xin Xing Dong – Mental health information in Chinese

  Chinese-language resources developed by Kai Xin Xing Dong. Kai Xin Xing Dong works to counter stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness in Chinese communities.

  HealthInfo recommends the following apps

• Manawa suicide safety plan app

  A suicide safety plan app for users to create their own survival plan to know what to do when things feel really bad.

On the next page: Suicide warning signs

Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed December 2023.

Sources

Page reference: 272032

Review key: HISUH-48714