World Suicide Prevention Day: Why changing the narrative matters

What are the risk factors and warning signs for suicide?

Many risk factors may contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviours. These include:

• stressful life events, such as financial trouble, job loss, relationship breakdowns, or bullying
• physical illness
• mental illness, such as depression
• a previous suicide attempt
• addiction

Unfortunately, it’s not always obvious when someone is struggling. A person experiencing suicidal thoughts may not openly discuss how they are feeling and, in some cases, there may be no apparent warning signs at all.

However, some signs may indicate that someone is experiencing significant emotional distress or is at risk of suicide. These include:

• expressing feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness or being a burden to others
• increasing their use of alcohol or drugs
• withdrawing from activities they would normally enjoy
• becoming unresponsive to messages, calls, or emails
• isolating themselves from friends, family, or colleagues
• talking about death, wanting to die, or joking about not being alive anymore
• engaging in reckless or risk-taking behaviour

While these signs do not necessarily mean a person is considering suicide, they can indicate that someone is struggling and may need support. For this reason, creating a culture where people feel comfortable talking about their mental health is an essential part of suicide prevention.

Changing the narrative in our communities

In addition to identifying risk factors early, it is equally important to encourage individuals who may be struggling to seek help promptly and ensure they receive ongoing support.

Changing the narrative on suicide requires more than encouraging conversations about mental health. It also involves challenging long-held misconceptions, improving awareness of available support services, and creating environments where people feel connected, valued and able to seek help without fear of judgement.

Reducing the stigma surrounding mental health challenges and suicidal thoughts is critical to encouraging people to seek help early.

If you’re concerned that someone may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, the following four steps can help guide the conversation:

1.  Ask about what they’re experiencing

Being direct and asking someone whether they are thinking about suicide can feel uncomfortable, but it demonstrates care and concern. Contrary to common misconceptions, asking about suicide does not increase the risk. Instead, it can provide a safe and supportive space for someone to speak openly about what they are experiencing.

2.  Listen and stay

Listen carefully and without judgement. Taking the person's concerns seriously may encourage them to open up further and can help them feel heard and supported.

If you are concerned for their safety, do not leave them alone. Let them know that you care and that they are not facing their struggles by themselves. Where possible, check that they do not have access to anything they could use to harm themselves.

3.  Get help

Encourage the person to seek professional support and help them connect with available services. For advice and support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

If a person's life is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000) and request an ambulance. Alternatively, if appropriate and available, assist them in accessing urgent medical care through their general practitioner, psychologist, hospital emergency department, or local mental health crisis service.

Where there is no immediate risk, encourage the individual to make an appointment with a doctor, psychologist or other mental health professional.

4.  Follow up

Continue checking in with the person, even if they do not always respond. Ongoing connection and support can make a meaningful difference.

Encourage them to access or continue professional treatment and remind them that suicidal thoughts do not have to become actions. Knowing that someone cares can help reduce feelings of isolation and hopelessness.

You're not alone in supporting someone in crisis

It’s also important to remember that you do not need to carry this responsibility alone. Supporting someone experiencing suicidal thoughts can be emotionally challenging, and seeking support for yourself is equally important. Ensure that appropriate health professionals, family members, or other support persons are aware of the situation and able to assist.

Further guidance and resources on how to have safe and supportive conversations about suicide can be found at Life in Mind’s Conversations Matter.

Ultimately, changing the narrative means shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of understanding, prevention, and hope. It means recognising that suicide is a complex public health issue, but one that can be addressed through collective action, early support, and accessible mental health care.

We’re here to help

When concerns about a person's mental health are not appropriately identified, assessed or responded to, the consequences can be devastating for individuals and their families.

We’ve supported families affected by suicide in circumstances where concerns have been raised about the care, assessment or treatment provided. We have assisted people in matters involving:

• reports of suicidal thoughts or self-harm that may not have been appropriately assessed or responded to
• delays in referral, assessment or treatment
• concerns regarding discharge planning and follow-up care

We understand the profound impact suicide can have on individuals and families. If you have concerns about the care that was provided to your loved one, we can help you understand your legal rights and options and provide guidance on the support available to you.

Support is available

If you have found the contents of this blog upsetting or caused your psychological distress, support is available to you:

• 13YARN – 13 92 76: 13YARN provides free and confidential crisis support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. You can contact 13YARN from any mobile or pay phone anywhere in Australia 24/7 to talk to a crisis supporter.
• Lifeline – 13 11 14: Contact Lifeline for support if you are experiencing a personal crisis or have suicidal thoughts. You can call them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from anywhere in Australia for crisis support. You can also send a text message or contact their confidential online chat.
• Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636: Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live.
• Griefline – 1300 845 745: Griefline provides free and confidential counselling and support to people experiencing grief and loss across Australia, inclusive of remote, regional, rural, and metropolitan regions.
• Headspace – 03 9027 0100: Headspace is a mental health support service for young people and their families with a focus on early intervention. Young people aged between 12 and 25 experiencing mental health issues can contact them online or via the phone to access support services from 9 am to 1 am, 7 days a week.