Self-care for suicide affected

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide and you need someone to talk to, please call us anytime on 1300 651 251.

If someone you know has shared their thoughts of suicide with you, you want to support them, but at the same time, you may be feeling overwhelmed and anxious. It’s important to take the time to also look after your own wellbeing and self-care. Self-care enables you to function in your life while meeting the multiple challenges of the world with energy and confidence.

One simple way of putting it is: take care of yourself, to be able to take care of others:

• Stay active and maintain a regular exercise routine
• Get a good night’s sleep
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Don’t be tempted to stress or emotionally eat
• Avoid relying on alcohol or drugs to switch off
• Talk to, or simply spend time with, someone you find supportive
• Make time for the things you enjoy; crafts, movies, sport, etc.
• Introduce meditation and mindfulness exercises, by trying the following app’s:
  • ReMinder Suicide Safety Plan
  • Headspace
  • Calm
  • Smiling Mind.

Practising self-care is a balancing act that is best served all day, every day. Focus on your mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing through ongoing self-care.

For more information on supporting someone, read our resource on When someone you know is thinking of suicide.

If you need someone to talk to, you can call SuicideLine Victoria on 1300 651 251 to discuss your concerns about yourself or someone you care about.

If someone’s life is in danger, call 000.