Suicide

If you’re thinking about suicide talk to someone you trust or contact us

It can be really hard to open up but it’s important that you let someone know what you’re experiencing so they can support you. Remember you are not alone. There are people who can help.

If you have already hurt yourself, call an ambulance by dialing 111.

Suicide is preventable

Suicide is a serious issue in Aotearoa, but it can be prevented. Finding the right support is key to prevention.

Learning to recognise when you or someone you know is struggling is the first step.

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should be listened to and respected.

Talking about suicide in a safe and attentive way can help can reduce stigma make people feel seen and heard. Encourage people to reach out for support and remind them they don't have to face things alone, help is available.

If someone you know is threatening suicide

It needs to be taken seriously. Even if the person doesn’t ask for help, or says they don’t need help, it is very important that they get support. Don’t keep this information secret – talk to someone who can help.

It can be hard to tell if someone is suicidal. Some people exaggerate about suicide and say they want to die when they’re just at a low point. People who are planning to kill themselves may act as if they are OK and tell everyone they are OK.

Signs that someone is thinking about suicide or seriously harming themselves may include:

Not seeming to cope with their problems
Changes in mood – becoming depressed, angry, anxious or very happy
Feeling worthless, guilty, whakamā or ashamed
Having little interest in life, or things they used to enjoy
Suddenly seeming calm or happy after they have been depressed or suicidal.
Showing lots of interest in death, self-harm or suicide
Not responding to messages or withdrawing from their online friends
Saying they want to die or kill themselves
Expressing helplessness
Sleeping too much or too little, and feeling tired all the time
Drug abuse

If someone you know is showing one or more of the signs above, they may need support.

Some people who feel suicidal might try to hide what they are going through or pretend they are OK.

If you are worried about someone you know then you could:

Talk to an adult you trust
Contact us – we’re here to help

Check out some helpful websites for more information such as:

It can be really hard to hear that someone you know is feeling suicidal so get support for yourself as well.

Threatening someone’s life online

It’s never Ok and it’s illegal to encourage someone to kill themselves. Bullies sometimes use suicide taunts online.

They can send messages that say things like ‘you’re worthless, why don’t you just kill yourself’, or ‘just go and kill yourself’. These messages can be seen as encouraging suicide, which is illegal.

What should I do if this happens to me or someone I know?