Suicide

Suicide refers to the act of intentionally ending one’s own life and is often associated with overwhelming emotional pain, hopelessness, or significant mental health difficulties. Suicidal thoughts can range from fleeting feelings of wanting to escape distress to more serious thoughts about self-harm or death, and should always be taken seriously. Support from mental health professionals, trusted supports, and crisis services can play an important role in helping individuals stay safe and access appropriate care.

Reaching out to another person — a friend, family member, or professional — can open space for safety, support, and a path forward.

For immediate support in Australia:

• Lifeline Australia — 13 11 14

• Suicide Call Back Service

• Beyond Blue Support Service

Websites / Helplines

• Lifeline Australia

Offers immediate crisis support, information about suicidal thoughts, safety planning tools, and guidance for helping someone you’re worried about.

• Beyond Blue

Provides accessible explanations of suicidal thinking, risk factors, warning signs, and practical steps for staying safe or supporting others.

• Black Dog Institute

Shares research‑based information on suicide prevention, mental‑health conditions linked to suicidal distress, and evidence‑supported treatment pathways.

• Ph: 1800 011 511 Mental Health Line 

NSW Health's 24/7 statewide phone service which links people with NSW Health mental health services. It is a free service.

• Standby Support After Suicide

Australia’s leading suicide postvention program dedicated to assisting people and communities bereaved or impacted by suicide.

TED Talks 

• "Break the Silence for Suicide Survivors" — Joe Schramm

• "Why We Choose Suicide" — Mark Henick

• "The Bridge Between Suicide and Life" — Kevin Briggs

Podcasts

• Life on the Line
  Produced in partnership with suicide prevention organisations, this Australian podcast features honest conversations with people who have experienced suicidal thoughts, loss, trauma, and recovery. It focuses strongly on resilience, connection, and reducing stigma around suicide.

• No Feeling Is Final
  Hosted by Australian journalist and author Honor Eastly, this podcast explores suicidal thinking, chronic mental health struggles, and recovery through deeply personal storytelling and expert discussion. It is widely respected within the Australian mental health community for its honesty and sensitivity.

• ABC Conversations – Mental Health & Suicide Episodes
  ABC Radio regularly features interviews with Australians discussing lived experience with suicide, grief, recovery, and mental health advocacy. These episodes are thoughtful, accessible, and often helpful for reducing shame and isolation.
  ABC Conversations

Apps

• Beyond Now – safety plan

Books

• Adam Schwarz - "mum, i wish i was dead"