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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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

Sophie_M PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: posting in this section
  • replies: 0

Life gets pretty hard sometimes and many people in this online community have had times where they have thought about hurting themselves or ending their life. This can be a stressful and at times overwhelming experience, and this section is here to h... View more

Life gets pretty hard sometimes and many people in this online community have had times where they have thought about hurting themselves or ending their life. This can be a stressful and at times overwhelming experience, and this section is here to help members who have had these experiences. This is a place to share where you are at, seek ideas for help 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. Making comments that let us know that you are having thoughts, but are safe, helps us to know that your conversation can continue without interruption, and that we do not need to put any further follow up for you in place. This section will not be for everyone.It shows posts from people who are distressed, offers public replies to these posts, and encourages people to come back and share how they got past that difficult point in time - what worked, what didn’t and how they now approach these difficult thoughts. It is important to think about what you want from the forums, what information you need and what threads will be helpful to your situation, rather than reading everything that is posted. 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 our 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. ​This section remains a discussion forum focused on helping each other through the dark times, it is not a crisis support service. Any posts that do not abide by the community rules will not be published. Unlike other areas of the forum, threads in this section will be closed after a period of one month of inactivity. If you are in crisis or need immediate help, assistance is not available via these forums. Please call Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467, Lifeline 13 11 14 or contact emergency services on 000.

All discussions

Guest_4593 ??? Whats wrong
  • replies: 158

Feeling nothing, im stepping out my comfort zone, taking risks. Trying to feel something but nothing i dont feel happy, joy no sense of excitement or fear.. just feel alone and sad and cry alot. I was asked why i self harmed i said i dont know . And ... View more

Feeling nothing, im stepping out my comfort zone, taking risks. Trying to feel something but nothing i dont feel happy, joy no sense of excitement or fear.. just feel alone and sad and cry alot. I was asked why i self harmed i said i dont know . And i dont really understand why i do. But thinking now hey its something to feel... I have to wake up every morning and (GET UP) i have responsibilities like everyone and i have to pretend to everyone that im ok . Work cant have me half there id lose my job.. family annoys me to much for me to have them realise im not ok . So its all fake and pretend all day.. i have about 3 people who i can say im not ok 2 ..but this is been going on so long even i wanna leave and ignore myself. Im uncomfortable talking out loud or to professionals im not sure i will get help but i do think ill lose the 3 people i do have very soon . Maybe just need to pretend with them aswell but im drowning suffocating in myself and this sense of emptiness is so overwhelming i just come undone every night when im alone in my room

Mysteryc What next?
  • replies: 3

Hello, I haven’t done one of these post things before so I am just going to go ahead and splurge my thoughts out. I am a 17yr old boy that’s about to graduate high school in a couple of weeks. I have been suffering from depression my whole life basic... View more

Hello, I haven’t done one of these post things before so I am just going to go ahead and splurge my thoughts out. I am a 17yr old boy that’s about to graduate high school in a couple of weeks. I have been suffering from depression my whole life basically. From being bullied throughout my primary school years which created bad habits for me like being shy, isolation from everyone, and overthinking every life decision. Things only got worse when my parents divorced when I was 14 because my dad wasn’t feeling happy and decided to cheat on my mum. I went through years of pain mentally and tried so many things to try coping. I have been doing therapy for 3yrs and have been through 4 different therapists. I was prescribed anti depressants by my GP a year after my parents divorce, which has been changed either being moved up a dose or being completely a different type of depressant. I have struggled so much and I find it hard to tell people. I was able to tell my mates about everything that’s been going on but then idk what to do next. I am at the point of not knowing what to do next. I feel like I have tried everything to keep me distracted, and help me cope. But nothing works. I did a post years ago on a forum and I was only given replies that weren’t really helpful. And yes, I have attempted suicide, twice. First time I was able to stop my inner demons. Second time I was saved by a random stranger, I never saw again after the incident. I am just so lost and am really hoping that I can get some advice or just positivity or something because I am completely lost and confused.

Jrace Update I guess
  • replies: 1

Well I’m back again so I’m not sure if it’s a good or a bad thing I’m here. I’ve had a lot of time off of all work since I last posted, I’ve been in bed since which I’m not sure if it’s been a good or a bad thing for my mental health. I reached out t... View more

Well I’m back again so I’m not sure if it’s a good or a bad thing I’m here. I’ve had a lot of time off of all work since I last posted, I’ve been in bed since which I’m not sure if it’s been a good or a bad thing for my mental health. I reached out to my Gp during an appointment for something separate, I felt it was the only way I could’ve said anything I don’t think I could’ve set an appointment specific for mymental health as Id be too nervous anyway. Unfortunately even after asking for a mental health plan, we had to address the more pressing concern (and injury the reason I was in there) first so it was brushed off. I know it wasn’t his fault and it was my bad timing but it took a lot for me to ask for help in the first place and I don’t think I can do it again. I know I can’t stay in bed everyday for much longer, I’m not sure why my family doesn’t just make me. (I know it’s not their responsibility and I don’t blame them) I’m sure seeing someone lay in bed 24/7 doesn’t strike them as normal. this I honestly more of a rant post which is why it’s so unstructured I’m just out of options at this point. another part of me thinks that because I didn’t set another appointment with my Gp for my mental health so soon after I mentioned it to him I’m not unwell enough, I’ve managed to survive this long that he will think that i obviously don’t need a plan. Maybe I don’t? I don’t knowit just it doesn’t feel like living right now I feel like I’m just scraping by.

ATS Finally I have broken
  • replies: 2

I am 41 yo dad of 3 I get along great with my wife who has mental health issues of her own I am usually the strong one in the family but I have broken down had a nervous breakdown get constant panic attacks yesterday I heard noises in my head saying ... View more

I am 41 yo dad of 3 I get along great with my wife who has mental health issues of her own I am usually the strong one in the family but I have broken down had a nervous breakdown get constant panic attacks yesterday I heard noises in my head saying life is too hard everything is on your shoulders just end it right here the only thing that has stoped me is my children and my wife otherwise I think I would of attempted to go ahead with it I have Been suffering from this s long time but I cannot hide it anymore because it is getting worse

Loula 3 hospital visits
  • replies: 5

I feel so broken. My heart is broke In half, my brain is a fog and my body feels like it has the flu. This is all mental illness. im on 24-7 suicide watch I have a psychiatrist nurse visit daily i have a doctor visit daily i have a social worker chec... View more

I feel so broken. My heart is broke In half, my brain is a fog and my body feels like it has the flu. This is all mental illness. im on 24-7 suicide watch I have a psychiatrist nurse visit daily i have a doctor visit daily i have a social worker check up on me. i have a new psychiatrist coming to my house tomorrow and and appointment with my one in two weeks. no one wants to touch my medication incase I get worse. Plus I don’t think I can handle the side effects. I tried to kill my self twice in one week but failed. the hospital let me out as I have sufficient care. None of my family are talking to me as I’m a mistake and the crazy v person in the family no one loves. i feel so close to ending it. I find know how I’m going to beat this.

Chris_Tas Suicidal
  • replies: 13

Firstly I think mods do thei best. Secondly I feel complete ut of touch with reality. I want people to post freely and express it.

Firstly I think mods do thei best. Secondly I feel complete ut of touch with reality. I want people to post freely and express it.

NOTMINE DEPRESSION IS COMPLICATED
  • replies: 6

Depression is only one word but it has so many meanings for different people. One thing I'm sure of after all this time, is that depression is an insidious disease. You often can't see it just by looking at a person, and it's even harder to explain. ... View more

Depression is only one word but it has so many meanings for different people. One thing I'm sure of after all this time, is that depression is an insidious disease. You often can't see it just by looking at a person, and it's even harder to explain. In the past year I have tried to be more open about my personal struglle. The most challenging thing for me is when people say, "but you look fine". It makes me feel so frustrated.

redtornado Trigger warning. Just venting
  • replies: 5

I’m sorry but I’m really tired and exhausted with my mental health. I feel like society doesn’t accept men that can go through a mental health issue. I’ve been down for so many years and the only thing keeping me alive is my son who has autism and ne... View more

I’m sorry but I’m really tired and exhausted with my mental health. I feel like society doesn’t accept men that can go through a mental health issue. I’ve been down for so many years and the only thing keeping me alive is my son who has autism and needs me to make it in life. I don’t have anyone to support me, my wife and I fight over the smallest of things so why would I say how I truely feel? My friends, family, colleagues are all not there for me. I put on a brave face and have even convinced health professionals I’m ok but deep down I’m not. I’m just really down and want this to end. I’m not posting this for recognition or help, I just want to get this off my chest. I think we as society need to take mental health more seriously and our government need to pay more attention than this strategy to just refer to community health and hope the problem goes away by putting their head in the sand. If you’re like I was 12 months ago, please reach out to somone privately, the public system fails at so many points. If you feel like me now and have connections please be honest with how you feel. I’m just tired and exhausted but hopefully tomorrow I wake up and just get on with life which is what every one expects. Take care

Roadsend So where do I go from here
  • replies: 9

Long time lurkier here, done a few threads but they usually are deemed not helpful and get canned. I'm alive only because the wonderful woman I married wants me to be, there is nothing else at all that gives me any reason to stay but for her I have e... View more

Long time lurkier here, done a few threads but they usually are deemed not helpful and get canned. I'm alive only because the wonderful woman I married wants me to be, there is nothing else at all that gives me any reason to stay but for her I have endured and fort, but I'm tired, I don't want to hold on, fight, endure or do any of the other 100 catch frazes that people spout thinking there helping I just want nothing, nothing at all, surely that isn't too much to ask, nothing at all, to just slip away and never have to feel the misery and loathing ever again. I've tried to hold it together, I've been on so many medications over the 40+ years I lived with this, been admitted to the mental health ward, lets think, at least 5 times were my stay was greater than 3 weeks which is also when I was given the 4 courses of ECT, voluntarily, I will give any treatment a fair try in hope I might find some relief but nothing ever really helps, I'm just finishing the 4th Couse of ECT along with yet another med change so everything has changed except for the misery, it's just as strong, crippling and smothering, only difference now is ECT has wiped out so much memory that the wonderful woman I stay for is under more strain than ever because she has to keep telling me all the things I can't remember, I so wish she could see I'm just a lead weight around her neck as we sail full steam on the SS Titanic. I have other friends cursed by this same mongrel Blackdog and their wives deserted them, separated quick smart, Oh how I wish my sweet wife would also, we don't have to sell up like the others did to settle 50/50, I don't want or need anything, it's all her's with my blessing and the hope she finds someone loving and not damaged, someone to love and treat her special. but that seems unlikely because even as damaged as I am, she thinks I'm special 37 years married, 37 years of my depression and she still thinks I'm special, and if I sneak off and do what I so want to I know it will destroy her. How silly is this, I know I could make it look like an accident, She would never know, that should be enough but still I cant bring myself to do it as I still see in my minds eye what it will do to her, I truly love her with all my heart but I wish for both of us we had never met. anyone out there have any magic solution because I sure could use a way out of this nightmare

Crallop TW SH Venting
  • replies: 4

I recently posted on a different forum seeking advice for something else but after everything running through my head today I think I’ve had a few realisations. I think I might be suicidal. I lied to myself and my parents and my psychologist saying t... View more

I recently posted on a different forum seeking advice for something else but after everything running through my head today I think I’ve had a few realisations. I think I might be suicidal. I lied to myself and my parents and my psychologist saying that I don’t want to kill myself. It isn’t exactly a lie, because I don’t, there’s so much I want to live for, but everything just seems so out of reach, unattainable. I’ve harmed myself before while on meds that just didn’t agree with me, and now that I’m not on any, the thoughts are ten times worse and near constant. The main difference is right now I can stop myself from acting on them whereas while on those meds it’s like I gave up control. The thoughts are always there though. Thinking about how I could do it. It scares me sometimes how often they’re there and that I’ve almost become used to it. Thinking about it now makes me feel sick. I don’t know what would help but I’m doing some more research. I’m going to get help, but I just wanted to talk about it here before trying to talk to the psychologist. I always struggle to get words out so maybe writing it here will make it easier.