Preventing suicide

Psychologically
It's important to look out for symptoms of depression and thoughts of suicide. It's also important to talk about these symptoms and thoughts with a family physician or psychiatrist.

When the symptoms of depression have gone, it's still important to talk to a doctor or psychiatrist. It's important to discuss what you should do if thoughts of suicide return. One idea is to agree to contact the person treating you (or someone else you can trust) as soon as you have these thoughts.

Socially
It's important for everyone to have someone to be with and something meaningful to do.

When you're suffering from depression, you often lose interest in other people and lack the energy to do anything.

When your depression eases, it's important to break the inclination to be alone. It's important to surround yourself with family/friends and keep yourself busy with work or hobbies. It's also important to remember friends who are helping you through the depression while making new ones.

Supporting someone with recurrent depression can often be difficult for a friend or relative. In this case we would recommend that you suggest they come with you to see your doctor.

Your doctor can provide support and your friend or relative can learn to understand the illness and its consequences. It may also be a good idea for them to join some form of support group.

Medication
By treating the depression with medication and other therapy you can reduce the risk of suicide.

Having read this section, you'll appreciate that people can have very strong feelings when suffering from depression. But don't let them get so strong that you give up altogether and consider suicide - remember it is an illness that can be treated. It might make you feel that life is unbearable, but please don't let it destroy your life. If you need to talk to someone, please phone Lifeline 131114 or talk to your doctor or someone you can trust. Help is available.