Supporting Someone With Suicidal Thoughts: What You Can Do

When someone you care about is having suicidal thoughts, it can be incredibly difficult to know what to do.

You may be frightened. You may worry about saying the wrong thing. You may wonder whether asking about suicide will make things worse, or whether you should tell someone else what is happening.

Perhaps you have noticed that a friend, partner, family member, or someone close to you has been struggling with their mental health. Maybe they have withdrawn from people, stopped doing things they usually enjoy, talked about feeling hopeless or said something that made you concerned about their safety.

If you are supporting someone with suicidal thoughts, you do not need to have all the answers.

What matters is taking them seriously, listening without judgement and helping them connect with the right support.

If someone is in immediate danger or you believe they may act on suicidal thoughts, call Triple Zero (000) or take them to the nearest hospital emergency department. NSW Health advises that emergency help should be sought immediately when someone is at immediate risk of harming themselves. (NSW Health, 2026)

For 24/7 crisis support in Australia, you can also contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, or contact the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.

At Mindkshetra, a Creative Wellness Studio in Wentworthville, we offer counselling and art therapy services for people across Sydney and the western suburbs. However, if someone is in immediate danger, crisis and emergency services should always be contacted first.

How Can I Help Someone Who Is Having Suicidal Thoughts?

The first thing to remember is that you do not have to solve everything for them.

You can start by being present.

If you are worried about someone, it is okay to ask them directly whether they are thinking about suicide. Asking the question does not put the idea into their head. In fact, asking directly can show that you care and give the person an opportunity to talk openly about what they are experiencing. (Healthdirect Australia, 2026)

You might say:

“I’ve noticed you’ve been having a really difficult time. Are you thinking about harming yourself?

Or:

“I’m worried about you. Are you having thoughts about hurting yourself or ending your life?

It can feel uncomfortable to ask such a direct question. That is completely understandable. But avoiding the conversation because you are afraid of saying the wrong thing can sometimes leave someone feeling even more alone.

If they say yes, listen.

You do not need to immediately explain why life is worth living or tell them that things will get better. You do not need to have a perfect response.

Sometimes, saying “I’m glad you told me “Or  “I’m here with you” is enough to keep the conversation going.

Healthdirect recommends taking suicidal thoughts seriously, listening respectfully, and helping the person access appropriate support. (Healthdirect Australia, 2026)

What Can I Do If My Friend Is Showing Signs of Being Suicidal?

You may notice changes before your friend actually tells you what is happening.

They may withdraw from friends and family. They may lose interest in things they previously enjoyed, experience significant changes in their mood or behaviour, or talk about hopelessness or suicide. Not everyone who experiences these signs will be suicidal, but changes that concern you are worth paying attention to. (Healthdirect Australia, 2026)

If your friend is showing signs that make you worried, check in.

You could say:

“You don’t seem like yourself lately. How are you really doing?”

Or:

“I’ve noticed you’ve been pulling away from everyone. I’m worried about you and I’m here if you want to talk.”

Try not to turn the conversation into an interrogation. Give them time to speak.

And if you are concerned that they may be suicidal, ask directly.

If they tell you they are thinking about suicide, stay with them if it is safe for you to do so and help them connect with professional support. If there is immediate danger, call 000 or go to an emergency department. (NSW Health, 2026)

Remember, supporting someone with suicidal thoughts does not mean that you have to become their only source of support.

How Can I Support Someone Who Is Experiencing Depression and Having Suicidal Thoughts?

Supporting someone with depression can be emotionally difficult because you may see them struggling while feeling powerless to change what they are experiencing.

You might want to encourage them to exercise, socialise, think positively or “snap out of it”. However, these kinds of comments can unintentionally make someone feel as though their pain is not being understood.

Instead, focus on listening and helping them find support.

You might say:

“That sounds really difficult.”

“I can see that you’re hurting.”

“You don’t have to go through this on your own.”

“Would you like me to help you find someone to talk to?”

“I would like to sit with you, is that ok?”

If someone with depression tells you they are having suicidal thoughts, take what they say seriously. Encourage them to speak with a mental health professional and help them access appropriate support. If there is immediate danger, contact emergency services. (Healthdirect Australia, 2026)

It is also important to remember that depression and suicidal thoughts can affect more than just the person experiencing them. Family members, partners and close friends can become emotionally exhausted too.

You are allowed to look after yourself while supporting someone else.

How Can I Support a Partner With Depression and Suicidal Thoughts?

When the person struggling is your partner, everything can feel much more personal.

You may feel responsible for keeping them safe. You may find yourself constantly checking their mood, worrying when they do not answer their phone or wondering whether you should stay with them all the time.

Your care can make a meaningful difference, but you cannot be solely responsible for another person’s mental health or safety.

Encourage your partner to access professional support and involve other trusted people where appropriate. Sharing the responsibility for support can make it easier for everyone involved.

You can also ask what they need from you.

Sometimes they may want you simply to listen. At another time, they may want help making an appointment or contacting a support service.

If they are in immediate danger, do not try to manage the situation by yourself. Call 000 or take them to the nearest emergency department. (NSW Health, 2026)

If the situation is not an immediate emergency but you are concerned about their mental health, the NSW Mental Health Line is available 24 hours a day on 1800 011 511 and can provide assessment, advice and connection to NSW mental health services. (NSW Health, 2026)

What Should I Say to Someone Who’s Depressed and Thinking About Harming Themself?

You may spend a lot of time worrying about saying the wrong thing.

The good news is that you do not need a perfect script.

Try to keep your language calm, compassionate and non-judgemental.

You could say:

“I’m here with you.”

“Thank you for telling me.”

“You don’t have to deal with this alone.”

“I care about you.”

“Let’s find some support together.”

“What would help you feel safer right now?”

What you say matters, but how you listen matters too.

Try to avoid phrases that minimise what the person is experiencing, such as “Everyone feels like that sometimes”, “You have so much to live for” or “Just think positively”. Even when these comments are well-intentioned, they may make someone feel that their pain is being dismissed.

Healthdirect recommends validating what someone is experiencing, listening respectfully and avoiding judgement when talking about suicidal thoughts. (Healthdirect Australia, 2026)

You also do not need to promise to keep suicidal thoughts a secret. If someone is at risk, getting appropriate help is more important than keeping the situation completely private.

How Can I Help Someone With Suicidal Thoughts Over Text?

Sometimes a person will tell you they are struggling through a text message rather than face to face.

That can be particularly frightening because you cannot see how they are doing.

Start by responding.

You could write:

“I’m really glad you told me. I’m here with you.”

Then ask directly whether they are thinking about suicide and whether they are safe right now.

Keep the conversation focused on them rather than sending a long list of advice.

If they tell you they are in immediate danger, encourage them to call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department. If you know where they are and believe their life is at immediate risk, you may need to contact emergency services yourself. (NSW Health, 2026)

If they are not in immediate danger but need someone to talk to, you can suggest Lifeline’s 24/7 crisis support. Lifeline can be contacted by phone on 13 11 14, by text on 0477 13 11 14 or through online chat. (Lifeline, 2026)

You do not need to keep texting indefinitely. Your role is to help connect the person with appropriate support, not to provide crisis counselling yourself.

How to Support Someone With Suicidal Thoughts: A Simple Approach

When everything feels overwhelming, it can help to remember four basic actions:

Ask

If you are worried, ask directly about suicidal thoughts.

Listen

Give the person space to talk. Take what they say seriously and avoid judgement.

Get help

Help them connect with appropriate professional or crisis support. If there is immediate danger, call 000.

Follow up

Keep checking in after the immediate crisis has passed. Let the person know that your support has not disappeared simply because the conversation has ended.

These steps are consistent with guidance from Australian health services on responding to someone experiencing suicidal thoughts. (Healthdirect Australia, 2026)

You do not have to say everything perfectly. You just need to take the situation seriously and help the person move towards safety and support.

What If They Don’t Want Help?

This can be one of the hardest situations.

You may encourage someone to speak to a counsellor, psychologist, doctor or crisis service, but they may say no.

Try not to turn the conversation into an argument.

Instead, keep the door open.

You might say:

“That’s okay. I’m not going to force you. But I want you to know that I’m here, and we can look at options together whenever you’re ready.”

If the person is at immediate risk, however, safety comes first. NSW Health recommends calling 000 or going to a hospital emergency department when someone is in immediate danger. (NSW Health, 2026)

For situations that are concerning but not an immediate emergency, the NSW Mental Health Line can provide advice and help connect people with appropriate mental health services. It is available 24/7 on 1800 011 511. (NSW Health, 2026)

Looking After Yourself While Supporting Someone

Supporting someone with suicidal thoughts can take a lot out of you.

You might feel frightened, exhausted, angry, guilty or constantly on edge.

Those feelings do not mean you do not care about the person.

In fact, looking after your own mental health is an important part of being able to support someone else. If possible, talk to someone you trust, share the responsibility with other people and give yourself time away from the situation when it is safe to do so.

You do not have to carry everything alone.

If you find that supporting someone is affecting your own mental health, consider speaking with a mental health professional or contacting a support service yourself.

Where Can You Get Help in Sydney and NSW?

If you are supporting someone with suicidal thoughts, it is useful to know where to turn before you need the information.

If there is immediate danger

Call Triple Zero (000) or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. NSW Health specifically recommends this when someone has attempted to harm themselves or is at immediate risk of doing so. (NSW Health, 2026)

NSW Mental Health Line

The NSW Mental Health Line is a free, statewide 24/7 service staffed by trained mental health professionals. They can provide mental health advice, conduct an assessment and connect people with appropriate NSW mental health services.

Call 1800 011 511. (NSW Health, 2026)

Lifeline

Lifeline provides free, confidential 24/7 crisis support.

Call 13 11 14.

You can also text 0477 13 11 14 or use Lifeline’s online crisis chat. (Lifeline, 2026)

Suicide Call Back Service

The Suicide Call Back Service provides free 24/7 counselling by phone, online and video for people affected by suicide, including people experiencing suicidal thoughts and people worried about someone else.

Call 1300 659 467. (Healthdirect Australia, 2026)

These services are available for immediate or crisis support. Mindkshetra’s counselling services can provide ongoing support, but they should not be used as a substitute for emergency services when someone’s life is in immediate danger.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I help someone who is having suicidal thoughts?

Start by taking them seriously. Ask directly if they are thinking about suicide, listen without judgement and help them connect with appropriate support. If they are in immediate danger, call 000 or take them to a hospital emergency department. (Healthdirect Australia, 2026)

How can I support someone who is experiencing depression and having suicidal thoughts?

Listen, acknowledge what they are experiencing and encourage them to access professional support. You can offer practical help, such as helping them contact a doctor or mental health professional. If they are in immediate danger, call 000. (Healthdirect Australia, 2026)

How to help a person with suicidal thoughts?

Ask, listen and help them access appropriate support. You do not need to solve their problems yourself. If there is immediate danger, call 000. For 24/7 crisis support, Lifeline can be contacted on 13 11 14. (Healthdirect Australia, 2026; Lifeline, 2026)

How to help someone in a crisis over text?

Respond calmly, ask whether they are thinking about suicide and check whether they are safe. If they are in immediate danger, call 000. If they need someone to talk to, you can suggest Lifeline’s phone, text or online crisis support. (Lifeline, 2026)

How to support a partner with depression and suicidal thoughts?

Listen without judgement, encourage professional support and involve trusted people where appropriate. Remember that you are a partner, not the person’s only source of mental health care. If your partner is at immediate risk, call 000 or go to an emergency department. (NSW Health, 2026)

What can I do to help if my friend is showing signs of being suicidal?

Check in with them and ask directly whether they are having suicidal thoughts. Take what they say seriously and encourage them to seek professional help. If they are in immediate danger, stay with them if it is safe to do so and contact emergency services. (Healthdirect Australia, 2026)

What should I say to someone who’s depressed and thinking about harming themself?

Keep your response simple and compassionate. You might say, “I’m here with you”, “I’m glad you told me” or “Let’s find some support together.” Avoid judgement, blame or comments that minimise their feelings. (Healthdirect Australia, 2026)

Take the Next Step With Mindkshetra

If you are worried about someone you love, you do not have to figure everything out by yourself.

Sometimes the first step is simply having a conversation.

At Mindkshetra, our Creative Wellness Studio in Wentworthville offers counselling and art therapy services for people across Sydney and the western suburbs. Our work can provide ongoing support for people dealing with mental health and emotional challenges, while crisis services remain the appropriate option when someone is in immediate danger.

If you would like to learn more about counselling or art therapy, you can explore Mindkshetra or contact our team.

And if someone is in immediate danger right now, please do not wait for an appointment. Call 000 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.

References

Healthdirect Australia (2026) ‘Suicide warning signs’, ‘How to help someone with depression’ and ‘Mental health: where to get help’. Available at: Healthdirect Australia (Accessed: 16 August 2026).

Lifeline (2026) ‘Lifeline Crisis Support’. Available at: Lifeline Australia (Accessed: 16 August 2026).

NSW Health (2026) ‘Mental Health Line’ and ‘Mental health services and support’. Available at: NSW Health (Accessed: 16 August 2026).