Suicide Prevention in New Zealand What to do if you are concerned that someone may be suicidal If you are concerned about someone who may be suicidal or is very distressed, take their thoughts and feelings about suicide very seriously and be willing to listen to them without judgement. Encourage them to get help and talk to someone about how they feel. You can approach the following services for advice: primary health care professional or general practitioner (GP) community mental health service (through your local district health board) helplines such as Lifeline (0800 111 777), Samaritans (0800 726 666), Youthline (0800 376 633), the Depression helpline (0800 111 757), or Healthline (0800 611 116). websites such as The Lowdown (www.thelowdown.co.nz) or the Depression website (www.depression.org.nz) have information about depression and who you can contact for help. counselling services such as: school guidance counsellor iwi and other Māori health/counselling services lesbian and gay support counselling services sexual abuse counselling services alcohol and drug services other specialist counseling services, such as bereavement services, family counsellors, whānau support services, refugee support services, etc. IN AN EMERGENCY If you are seriously concerned about someone’s immediate safety: call 111 or take them to the Accident and Emergency Department at your nearest hospital contact the nearest hospital or psychiatric mental health emergency service/mental health crisis assessment team. remain with them until appropriate support arrives remove any obvious means of suicide (guns, medication, cars, knives, rope, etc). Website feedback We welcome your feedback on this page.

Related information Having Suicidal Thoughts? Information for you, and for family, whānau, friends and support network (PDF 454 KB) (www.nzgg.org.nz) This brochure provides information about who to ask for help, how to look after yourself, how to support someone, and where to get further information.

Page last updated: 24 December 2008