You don’t have to sort this out on your own
Whatever’s going on, there is someone who will pick up the phone. Nothing here costs anything, and you don’t have to be in crisis to use it.
If you need to talk to someone
These lines are free, confidential, and answered by people trained for exactly this. You don’t have to be in crisis to call.
If someone is in immediate danger, call emergency services now.
24 hours, 7 days
Support for people at risk, and advice for anyone worried about someone.
I’m worried about someone
You don’t need the right words and you don’t need training. Asking badly is far better than not asking.
Ask directly
It is a myth that asking about suicide plants the idea. It does the opposite — it gives someone permission to be honest. Ask plainly: “Are you thinking about suicide?”
Then listen, and don’t rush to fix it
Let the silences sit. You are not there to solve it. You are there so they aren’t carrying it by themselves.
Don’t agree to keep it secret
If someone is at risk, you may need to involve someone else. Say so honestly rather than promising something you can’t keep.
Stay with them and get help
If you think someone is in immediate danger, don’t leave them alone. Call 000, or ring Lifeline on 13 11 14 together — you can make that call for them, or sit with them while they make it.
Then check in again
Put a reminder in your phone for a fortnight’s time. The second conversation matters more than the first.
I’ve lost someone to suicide
Grief after suicide is its own kind of grief. It can arrive with guilt, anger and questions that don’t have answers, and it can come back a long time later. Support exists specifically for this.
StandBy Support After Suicide
Free, dedicated support for anyone bereaved or affected by suicide — including friends, workmates and first responders, not only family.
Talk it through
Counsellors at the Suicide Call Back Service support people bereaved by suicide, not just those at risk.
Someone local
Counsellors and psychologists across the Whitsundays and Burdekin, listed by town.
If you would like to talk to someone at WSPN, get in touch. We are not a crisis service and we’re not available around the clock — for that, please use the numbers above.