Thinking about ending my life

Reasons why people think about suicide

Have you been thinking about suicide? Your thoughts might be about wishing you were dead or you may have considered how you would end your life. You might have been thinking that your family and friends would be better off without you. You may be feeling overwhelmed by circumstances in your life leading to feelings of powerlessness and hopelessness.

You may be feeling painfully alone right now, but it is important for you to know that other people have thought about ending their lives too. There is help available. Other people thinking about suicide will have had similar thoughts to your own.

Reasons why people think about suicide:

• Significant loss (such as a life partner)
• Major life stresses (relationship breakdown, legal or financial problems)
• Being abused, bullied (physical, emotional or sexual) or excluded
• Alcohol and drug use
• Chronic pain and chronic illness (including mental illness)
• Unemployment.

It might be that you are experiencing a number of problems in your life that is leading you to feel overwhelmed and upset. You might be feeling so troubled that you are unable to sleep, eat, or enjoy anything.

Help is available - Call SuicideLine Victoria today

Getting help

Feeling suicidal is itself a painful experience, but it is not something you have to bear alone. Reaching out for help is an important step towards getting the help you need to keep yourself safe.

There are a number of services and professionals available to help you through this difficult time.

Find out more about the range of services available by reading our Suicide: where to get help page.

There are also things you can do to help yourself when you’re feeling distressed or overwhelmed and thinking about hurting or killing yourself. Have a read of Self help for suicidal feelings for some ideas on what you can do to help yourself.

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.