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How to talk about suicide with our loved ones and friends
Talking to friends or loved ones about suicide can feel daunting. This is especially compounded by the isolative nature of experiencing suicidal thoughts. If you know you are in a place to speak to friends or loved ones about how you are feeling, but you are unsure how to navigate it, we discuss various ways you can go about it without overwhelming yourself. After all, it is a huge first step in getting support, and one that should be navigated carefully.
How to talk to loved ones about your suicidal feelings
Opening up about suicide to friends and loved ones can feel incredibly hard, but also a powerful and courageous step towards healing. Here is how you can navigate this:
1) Know that you deserve support
It may be the furthest thing from your mind, but you deserve support just like anyone else going through suicidal thoughts. Understand that needing support is not a sign of weakness, but strength. It takes a lot to open up to others, and doing so is an amazing first step towards acknowledging and healthily dealing with your feelings.
2) Speak to someone you trust
If there is someone you regularly confide in, or someone who you know has shown understanding in the past, it may help to open up to them about how you are feeling. This could be a close friend, a family member, colleague, manager or teacher. If no one is immediately available, it may help to ring a counselling or suicide helpline.
3) Communicate in a way that is comfortable for you
Some people may prefer to state how they feel straight up, while others may struggle to find the words. Some may also prefer to talk face to face or use the phone. Choose a method of communication that feels the most natural or comfortable for you.
If you are struggling with what to say, you can start with one of the following:
• “I don’t feel like myself lately and I’m unsure why”
• “I’ve been experiencing disturbing thoughts about not wanting to be here anymore”
• “I’m feeling really low and it feels as though I’m getting worse”
Although it may be hard to begin with, being honest about how you are feeling is the right way to go. It can effectively communicate what you are going through. But equally, if you feel this is difficult to do straight off the bat, then work up to it.
Tell them how they can help you
You may not know what would help at all. But when you are feeling the way you do, we need acceptance, understanding and a listening ear.
Think about what may help, even in small ways. Would telling your employer for an adjusted workload or flexible working help? Would asking your friends to hang out more often or have regular calls support your wellbeing? It could even be asking someone for support in finding a professional to help you with your feelings.
It may also help to discuss having a safety plan in place when you are having thoughts of suicide. This could look like:
• A safe place to go
• Key people to speak to that you trust
• Coping mechanisms
• Restricting access to suicidal aids
• Consulting a list of reasons for living (discussed with your confidant or healthcare professional)
5) Get professional help
Sadly, there are cases where people have no one to turn to, so turning straight to professional support may be your only option.
Counsellors and psychotherapists are qualified in supporting people who are dealing with difficult feelings, including suicidal thoughts. If you can, it may help to jot down bullet points of the main things you are experiencing, even if you are unsure if it is related to how you are feeling. They may be able to help you process and unpack your thoughts, while giving you healthy coping mechanisms for when suicidal thoughts crop up or become overwhelming.
If you feel worse about opening up about suicidal thoughts
Sadly, some can feel worse about opening up about suicidal thoughts. This can happen because it is tough to face your feelings when spoken out loud. That is why it is often recommended to seek professional support, as they will have the skills to help you manage your emotions.
There may be cases where someone you thought you could trust actually reacts with negativity or backlash if you open up about your suicidal thoughts. In these instances, it is best to distance yourself from the individual and seek professional support right away. This is because you will feel a lot more vulnerable about opening up than you did previously, so it is important to speak to a professional who can support you in managing the many difficult emotions you are facing.
Where else can I get support for discussing suicide?
There are various methods for getting support when you talk to others about suicide in Australia.
Your GP
Your GP is a great first port of call if you need help with dealing with suicidal thoughts. They can offer a safe, confidential space to talk, assess your needs, and connect you with appropriate mental health services or crisis support through a Mental Health Treatment Plan. They may even be able to discuss medication options and review any medication you are on to see if you need adjustments to your treatment.
Suicide helplines
Suicide helplines are free, confidential support lines specifically for people who are dealing with suicidal thoughts in Australia:
• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
• MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78
Your employer’s Employee Assistance Program
If your workplace offers an EAP, you can access confidential counselling and mental health support at no cost. It is a valuable resource for discussing emotional distress, including suicidal thoughts, and getting help from qualified professionals. This can also help you find a counsellor without having to pay for one yourself, which can often be costly.
Support your people with 24/7 confidential counselling through Wisdom Wellbeing’s EAP.
How can an Employee Assistance Program help if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts?
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can support people dealing with a wide range of mental health concerns, including suicidal thoughts. At Wisdom Wellbeing, our counselling support helplines are available 24/7, 365 days a year. As after all, poor mental health and even thoughts of suicide can strike at any moment.
With structured, solution-focused therapy and emotional support, our counsellors can provide practical advice and guidance for individuals.
If you feel unable to speak over the phone, the Wisdom app, offered by Wisdom Wellbeing, grants access to a live chat service that you can use to instant message a counsellor for support. It is also a fantastic resource for navigating content around mental health, suicide and wellbeing.
Conclusion
Opening up about suicide can very much cause negative feelings and dissociation in oneself. Being kind to yourself can mean small acts of kindness such as having a nourishing meal, having a rest, anything that makes you feel good in that very moment.
Talk to friends and loved ones you trust, rather than who you think you should speak to. This could look like speaking to a sibling as opposed to your parents, or even a cousin as opposed to an immediate family member. What matters most is feeling safe and heard.
FAQs
How do I start a conversation about suicidal thoughts with someone I trust?
Opening up can feel daunting, so begin with simple, honest statements such as “I don’t feel like myself lately” or “I’m experiencing thoughts that worry me.” Choose a communication method that feels safe, whether face‑to‑face, by phone, or through a message.
Why might I feel worse after talking about suicidal thoughts?
It’s common to feel vulnerable after sharing difficult emotions. If the conversation increases distress or someone responds negatively, seek professional support immediately through a GP, counsellor, or crisis service.
How can loved ones support me when I’m experiencing suicidal feelings?
Support may include listening without judgement, helping you access professional care, checking in regularly, or assisting with practical needs. You can also tell them specific ways they can help, such as creating a safety plan together.
When should I seek professional help for suicidal thoughts?
If your thoughts become more frequent, intense, or difficult to manage, or if you feel you have no one to talk to, reach out to a GP, counsellor, or crisis support service. Professional guidance can help you process emotions and develop coping strategies.
Can an Employee Assistance Program support me if I’m experiencing suicidal thoughts?
Yes. An EAP provides confidential counselling, emotional support, and practical guidance. Wisdom Wellbeing offers 24/7 helplines and live chat through the Wisdom app, giving employees accessible support whenever they need it.
What suicide helplines can I contact in Australia if I need immediate support?
Australia provides several free, confidential helplines for people experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress. Services include Lifeline, Beyond Blue, and MensLine Australia, all offering compassionate support from trained counsellors.
Related entities
Suicidal thoughts
emotional distress, intrusive thoughts, feelings of hopelessness, crisis support
Suicide prevention
safety planning, early intervention, protective factors, crisis response
Mental health support
counselling, therapy, wellbeing resources, professional guidance
Australian crisis helplines
Lifeline, Beyond Blue, MensLine Australia
Employee Assistance Program
confidential counselling, workplace wellbeing, 24/7 support
GP mental health care
assessments, treatment plans, referrals, medication review
Safety planning
coping strategies, trusted contacts, safe environments
Workplace wellbeing
employer support, flexible working, wellbeing tools
Wisdom Wellbeing
24/7 counselling helplines, Wisdom app, live chat support
Crisis counselling
immediate emotional support, de‑escalation, professional guidance
Wisdom Wellbeing
Wisdom Wellbeing is one of Australia’s leading EAP providers. Specialising in topics such as mental health and wellbeing, they produce insightful articles on how employees can look after their mental health, as well as how employers and business owners can support their people and organisation. They also provide articles directly from their counsellors to offer expertise from a clinical perspective. Besides a focus on corporate wellbeing, Wisdom Wellbeing also caters to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Your trusted wellbeing partner.
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With a Wisdom Wellbeing Employee Assistance Program (EAP), we can offer you practical advice and support when it comes to dealing with workplace stress and anxiety issues.
Our EAP service provides guidance and supports your employees with their mental health in the workplace and at home. We can help you create a safe, productive workspace that supports all.
