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Further implications
(The following advice is taken from the Lifeline information site. The site can be accessed at http://www.lifeline.org.au/Get-Help/Facts---Information/Preventing-Suicide/Preventing-Suicide)
Are you thinking about suicide?
Get help! You are not alone. Call Lifeline 13 11 14 or 000.
Just by reading this, a part of you is looking for ways to live and to get help for problems in your life. It is not uncommon to feel this way and lots of people have suicidal thoughts and are able to work through them and stay safe.
Thoughts and feelings of ending your life can be overwhelming and very frightening.
It can be very difficult to know what to do and how to cope, but help is available.
Contact Lifeline (available 24/7)
Talk to someone you trust - you don't have to go through this alone. Tell them how you feel - and that you are thinking of suicide. Ask them to help you keep safe.
Get help and support to stay alive - contact a helpline, your GP, a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist, a hospital emergency department, minister, teacher or anyone you trust to keep you safe.
If life is in danger - call emergency services 000
Why does someone consider suicide?
Life can be painful and problems can seem overwhelming at times. Some people may think about suicide but do not act upon it. For others, suicide seems like the only way out of their situation or the feelings they are experiencing. They generally feel very alone and hopeless. They believe nobody can help them or understand what they are going through.
Almost everyone who takes their own life gives some clue or warning. Never ignore suicide threats. Take people's suicidal thoughts and feelings very seriously and help them find effective help.
What can you do to prevent suicide?
Reach Out - Ask them directly if they are thinking about suicide. It needs to be a direct question that can't be misinterpreted. "Are you thinking about suicide?"
Most people with thoughts of suicide want to talk about it. They want to live - but desperately need someone to hear their pain and offer them help to keep safe.
Don't be afraid to ask them if they are thinking about suicide. This shows you care and they're not alone. Listen to them - Allow them to express their feelings. Let them do most of the talking. They will often feel a great sense of relief someone wants to talk to them about their darkest thoughts.
Check their safety - If you are really worried don't leave them alone. Remove any means of suicide including weapons, medications, drugs, alcohol, even access to a car. Get help by calling Lifeline 13 11 14, or emergency services on 000. You can also take them to the local hospital emergency department.
Decide what to do and take action - Talk about steps you can take together to keep them safe. Don't agree to keep it a secret; you shouldn't be the only one supporting this person. You may need help from someone else to persuade them to get help. You can also help by finding out information on what resources and services are available for a person who is considering suicide.
Ask for a promise - Thoughts of suicide may return, so ask them to promise to reach out and tell someone. Asking them to promise makes it more likely they will tell someone.
Get help - There are lots of services and people that can help and provide assistance...Seek support from family and friends, youth group leader, sports coach, priest, minister or religious leader etc.
In some situations they may refuse help and you can't force them to get help. You need to ensure the appropriate people are aware of the situation. Don't shoulder this responsibility yourself.