Suicidal thoughts and self-harm

This space discusses suicide and self-harm. Consider limiting the time you spend here. To use the section safely, read the pinned discussion.

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BeyondBlue Welcome to the Suicide and Self-Harm Section
  • replies: 0

Hi there, Welcome to the Suicide and Self-Harm section of the Beyond Blue Forums. Life gets pretty hard sometimes, and many people here on the Forums have had times where they have thought about harming themselves or ending their life. This can be a ... View more

Hi there, Welcome to the Suicide and Self-Harm section of the Beyond Blue Forums. Life gets pretty hard sometimes, and many people here on the Forums have had times where they have thought about harming themselves or ending their life. This can be a deeply distressing experience, and this section is here to support members who have had these experiences. This section is not a crisis support service. If you are in crisis or need immediate help, assistance is not available via these Forums. Please call: Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 (24/7) Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24/7) If it is an emergency, contact emergency services on 000. This is a place to share where you are at, seek ideas for support and know that you are not alone. We are here to create a safe environment for everyone. Please do not provide any details about any plans/ideas that you may have had to hurt yourself, and importantly, help us to understand if you are safe by letting us know in the post. For some people this section might be difficult to read – if it is not helping how you feel, then please consider moving to another section. This section, like the rest of the Forums, is closely monitored and all posts are reviewed by moderators before publication. Moderators will also ensure that anyone needing follow up will be provided with information about how to access further support. If after a period of time you no longer wish others to engage in the discussion you have started, please use the 'Report Post' button and request the discussion be locked to prevent any further replies. Thank you for being here, we're glad you're here. Treat yourself gently as you read through this section. Beyond Blue

Sophie_M Do you have a safety plan?
  • replies: 97

Safety planning involves creating a structured plan – ideally with support from your health professional or someone you trust – that you work through when you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, feelings, distress or crisis. Your safety plan starts wi... View more

Safety planning involves creating a structured plan – ideally with support from your health professional or someone you trust – that you work through when you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, feelings, distress or crisis. Your safety plan starts with things you can do by yourself, such as thinking about your reasons to live and distracting yourself with enjoyable activities. It then moves on to coping strategies and people you can contact for support – your friends, family and health professionals. The safety planning model was developed in the US by suicide prevention experts Barbara Stanley and Gregory Brown. It has been used extensively by US veterans’ health organisations, hospital emergency departments and high schools, and there is strong evidence that it works. Many health professionals in Australia also use some form of safety planning to support clients experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings, or after a suicide attempt. beyondblue has an app you can use to create a safety plan, called BeyondNow. The BeyondNow app takes the principles of safety planning and makes it even easier to use – so rather than carrying around a piece of paper, you’ve got it on your phone at all times. It’s free to download from the Apple Store or Google Play. If you don’t have a smartphone or would prefer to use your desktop or laptop, BeyondNow is also available to use on our website. Do you have a safety plan? Do you have questions around how you might create one, or fill out some of the sections? This thread is for discussing ideas around creating a safety plan, and sharing tips about what has been most useful about this process for you. Below are two videos featuring Peter and Nic, who have both used safety plans successfully. Peter Nic

All discussions

LittleMissAlice On the Fence
  • replies: 10

I dont know what to do. i cant think straight and all the only thing going around and around my head is how sad i am, all the time. ive barely done any work on my assignments and prior commitments and all that because i was that confident that i was ... View more

I dont know what to do. i cant think straight and all the only thing going around and around my head is how sad i am, all the time. ive barely done any work on my assignments and prior commitments and all that because i was that confident that i was going to do it this morning. I almost did, i don't know what stopped me. this is so much worse than before, when i was so assured that id be dead soon and confident that it was the right decision, but now im not sure. i dont want to live anymore and im trying so hard to hold on but my head is chaos and i dont know what to do anymore. Im just feeling sad and i hate it and im dragging others down with me. i dont even know why im writing this when i dont really want help. i want to die but im scared. maybe i just need to talk? ive tried talking to people but its not working, i feel better for a little bit but it gets worse almost instantly, i need help

Aidenk *Trigger - self harm* I suffer from anxiety and depression and struggle living out in the world myself and since i have started to wory about my gf 
  • replies: 2

So my anxiety and depression keep me inside most of the time and usually that's only effected myself as I cannot live my life something I'm sure many of you are familiar with however lately my gf has been going out with freinds and she has a history ... View more

So my anxiety and depression keep me inside most of the time and usually that's only effected myself as I cannot live my life something I'm sure many of you are familiar with however lately my gf has been going out with freinds and she has a history of being sexually assualted so I'm very weary. When were out I steer clear of most men unless we know them and I don't let her follow random people on social media. I also don't allow her to post certain photos that may be a tiny bit on the strange side or anything that shows off her body which causes fights since she has her own mental struggles such as body dysmorpphia and claims she's just trying to be confident in herself. In the most recent incident it has driven me to self harm since the feeling that I can't do what's right for her and I can't be what she wants me to be and I irritate her and I am far too controlling and she deserves better. Which further continued the arguement since she hates when I self-harm and leaves me feeling more worthless. I know we only want what's best for eachother and I was wondering if anyone has experienced something similar before becuase I really love her and I don't wanna screw this up. Thank you much love and positivity to everyone reading this.

Imarni *Trigger warning* Assisted death
  • replies: 2

I just watched some of Laura’s choice. I became curious having attempted suicide over my own childhood sexual abuse trauma and failed court justice. All the support for recent high profile victims is great it was the opposite for me and I’ve briefly ... View more

I just watched some of Laura’s choice. I became curious having attempted suicide over my own childhood sexual abuse trauma and failed court justice. All the support for recent high profile victims is great it was the opposite for me and I’ve briefly looked into the countries that assist with death. I wasn’t depressed this morning. I know this will pass. Family are a bit agressive right now. I’ve had a dreadful experience with mental health system they are not an option. My little cat is my only connection I can’t cope with the news.

Jules292 *Trigger warning: Self-harm* Feeling Overwhelmed
  • replies: 3

I want to self harm at the moment so very much, the urge is so very strong and started about 2-3 weeks ago. It’s strange how I felt so in control, almost ’cured’ of this, and then, there are times out of the blue, perhaps, mixed with other vulnerabil... View more

I want to self harm at the moment so very much, the urge is so very strong and started about 2-3 weeks ago. It’s strange how I felt so in control, almost ’cured’ of this, and then, there are times out of the blue, perhaps, mixed with other vulnerabilities that weakened my defenses, and I find myself here again. I’m hoping that by writing it down may help to bring on a switch in negative behaviours. thanks for allowing me to be honest! Jules xx

ReachOut83 Realisation
  • replies: 2

This evening I had to get out of the house, and go for a coffee, or anything. So I went into this bar that was quite busy. I am not a big drinker, so I ordered a Coke Zero and sat at my table alone. I tried to join in on a conversation at the table n... View more

This evening I had to get out of the house, and go for a coffee, or anything. So I went into this bar that was quite busy. I am not a big drinker, so I ordered a Coke Zero and sat at my table alone. I tried to join in on a conversation at the table next to me, but they didn’t seem to be interested. I even offered to pay for someone’s drink, but they didn’t seem interested. I realise now that I have no place in this world. My whole entire life all that I have wanted to do is to fit in and belong. Now I know that it is no longer possible, maybe it is for the best to write a letter to my mum, and put an end to my loneliness.

Lucette hey, just want someone to talk to :)
  • replies: 4

ive been self-harming recently, not dramatically or anything. like I know people are so much worse of than me, but like I don't have anyone to talk to. i moved to a new town and everyone is racist and homophobic and sexist, and the people I'm around ... View more

ive been self-harming recently, not dramatically or anything. like I know people are so much worse of than me, but like I don't have anyone to talk to. i moved to a new town and everyone is racist and homophobic and sexist, and the people I'm around make it obvious that they hate me. I'm just tired and lonely, like everything just takes so much effort and when I fight with my parents SH kinda makes me feel in control. they noticed once but kinda just told me not to do it. i did finally get a therapist appointment which is good I guess. i just miss my old friends who understood and I cant talk to them bc my parents took my phone. anyway thanks love ya

Taylor94 Feels like im drowning
  • replies: 2

Today is hard, i am roughly 6 months pregnant and unemployed, my partner and i have been struggling for months to find jobs and have made the tough decision to move from Forster back to Sydney area. though we have more support and family down here it... View more

Today is hard, i am roughly 6 months pregnant and unemployed, my partner and i have been struggling for months to find jobs and have made the tough decision to move from Forster back to Sydney area. though we have more support and family down here its was not our first choice in options but we both realised that it is what is best for our children. Since getting pregnant i have struggled with many problems and issues from family drama from both sides to my step daughters birth mother drama. i feel like im barely hanging on these days and the urge to self harm or worse is getting stronger everyday. My partner and i have been struggling financially, as he is in alot of debt, and my insomnia has kicked back in to where i am barely sleeping most nights. The mental and physical strain is literally making me feel like im drowning and that i am inches away from breaking down completely. I dont know how much more i can take of this and no matter how many times i say this to my partner i dont think he is quiet understanding what i mean, which just makes me feel more alone than i want to be right now. I dont know what else to do, other than revert back to old habits which i am trying so hard not to give in to for the sake of my baby.

anonymous45844 help
  • replies: 3

I'm thinking about suicide and I don't know what to do to distract myself

I'm thinking about suicide and I don't know what to do to distract myself

Tillie Crushed
  • replies: 4

When you want to die but the only thing keeping you alive is your kid

When you want to die but the only thing keeping you alive is your kid

Midnightvixen86 Too broken to be fixed
  • replies: 3

I'm at the edge and I'm looking down struggling to find a reason not to just let go. I know my thoughts are irrational I know that it's not what it seems. But why can't I stop inching closer to the edge. I side my head is chaos screaming voices over ... View more

I'm at the edge and I'm looking down struggling to find a reason not to just let go. I know my thoughts are irrational I know that it's not what it seems. But why can't I stop inching closer to the edge. I side my head is chaos screaming voices over the top of one other and I just want them to stop. I have reached out for help but it doesn't seem to be working or I'm not being heard . I just really need some one to hear me right now see through my mask my smile and see me. Is this asking too much? Am I just to broken to be whole again?