Get help with professional support

Asking for help is an important step towards getting the support you need

Feeling suicidal can be an overwhelming and painful experience, but it is not something you have to bear alone. You can get help. There is professional support available for anyone affected by suicide.

There are a number of services and professionals available to help you through this difficult time. You may wish to speak to someone over the phone or prefer to seek help face to face. Whichever you choose, it’s important that you are as honest about your situation and the way you’re feeling as possible, so you can get the support you need.

Talking to someone about such a painful issue can be difficult, so you may want to check out our How to talk about suicide page for information and tips on how to start a conversation.

Get help with professional support from these telephone helplines

A number of telephone counselling and crisis helplines exist to provide support and information to people feeling suicidal. Telephone helplines allow you to access immediate support, without having to wait for an appointment or travel to a medical centre. In this regard, they are particularly useful for people in rural or remote areas, or for when you can’t access your regular healthcare provider.

SuicideLine Victoria 1300 651 251

SuicideLine Victoria is a free, professional telephone counselling and information service, available 24/7. The counsellors can help you deal with the pain and sadness you may be feeling, keep you safe, and provide you with support and information about where to go for help.

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

The Suicide Call Back Service is a free nationwide telephone, video and online counselling service available 24/7. The service provides immediate support to anyone feeling suicidal.

Lifeline 13 11 14

Lifeline is a national 24-hour telephone helpline offering support to anyone in crisis.

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800

Kids Helpline is a 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people.

Mental health services for professional support

If you’re feeling suicidal, you may benefit from accessing some of the services available through your local mental health team. The team will consist of a range of mental health professionals who are trained to support people in crisis, including people who are feeling suicidal. Each area in Victoria has its own Area Health Service, consisting of a number of different local teams and services.

You can find your local mental health service online through the Victorian Government Mental Health website, which lists services by area. Referral to mental health services can occur through your own GP or you can call the triage line.

General practitioners (GPs)

Your GP is a key contact for concerns about your mental and emotional health. Speaking as openly and honestly as possible to your GP will allow them to provide you with the appropriate support to get through this difficult time. This may also involve psychological or medical treatment. Additionally, GPs should have a good knowledge of local services and will be able to refer you to other professionals if necessary.

If you already have a regular GP and are feeling suicidal, contact them and explain it is an emergency. Arrange to see them as soon as possible, and book a longer appointment so you have plenty of time to discuss your circumstances.

If you don’t have a GP, you can use the Better Health Channel website to search health services by area or postcode.

Other health professionals

Many other health professionals are able to assist you if you’re feeling suicidal. Depending on their role and area of expertise, they may be able to provide you with various types of psychological therapy, medication, or refer you on to other services.

If you’re already seeing a psychiatrist, psychologist, counsellor, therapist or another professional, phone or arrange to see them as soon as possible, explaining that it is an emergency.

In an emergency

If you are in immediate danger or concerned for your safety in any way:

• Call 000 and request an ambulance. Stay on the line, speak clearly, and be ready to answer the operator’s questions
• Attend your local hospital’s emergency department.

Get Help Now

Don’t let it build up. SuicideLine Victoria is a free 24/7 telephone and online counselling service offering professional support to people who are concerned about their emotional and mental health. Call 1300 651 251. If it is an emergency, call 000.