Family & Friends
What you can do to help prevent suicide
Having suicidal thoughts is not uncommon. Lots of people have had suicidal thoughts and worked through them. Although it may be hard, asking for help is the most important thing to do. If someone you know has a current or specific plan for suicide, and has immediate access to the way to kill themselves, they are at high risk for suicide.
In this situation you must:
- Act quickly and don’t leave the person alone.
- Ensure the person does not have access to lethal weapons and medications.
- Inform the person you must act on the information and inform others.
- Get immediate help from mental health crisis services. See In Crisis for contact details.
- In an emergency, call 111.
Key resources
Depression
Observable Warning Signs
Warning Signs for Suicide - Webcast
Responding to People at Risk of Suicide: How Can You and Your Organisation Help?
Thinking About Suicide
Caring For Someone After a Suicide Attempt - Webcast
Having Suicidal Thoughts? Information for You, and For Family, Whanau, Friends and Support Network
Understanding Suicide Attempts
After A Suicide Support
Losing Someone to Suicide - Webcast
After a Suicide: Practical Information for People Bereaved by Suicide
After the Suicide of Someone You Know: Information and Support for Young People 
When Someone Dies: A Guide to the Coronial Services of New Zealand
Self-Harm
Training
Questions you might have
Q: I am really worried about a family member/friend/work colleague. What can I do?
Q: A family member/friend/work colleague has just come out of hospital after attempting suicide. How can I help them cope and recover?
Q: How do I find a counsellor/doctor/specialist?
Q: How can I access research and general resources on a particular subject related to suicide?
Q: How can I acccess brochures on a specific topic?
