Suicide

If you’re thinking about suicide talk to someone you trust or call us on 0800 What’s up

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

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

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 really they don’t. 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
• Call us at 0800 What’s Up – we’re here to help
• Check out some helpful websites for more information such as:
• Ministry of Health – Preventing Suicide 
• Mental Health Foundation – Worried About Someone 

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

Threatening someones life online

It’s never Ok and it’s illegal to taunt or 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?

• Tell an adult you trust and ask for their help.
• Call Police on 111 - they take this type of bullying behaviour very seriously.
• Call us at 0800 What's Up - we're here to help
• Get more information on Netsafe 
• See our cyber bullying page