It’s a difficult situation.

Here are some tips:

• Ask them, in a non-judgmental way, if they are thinking about suicide. This could begin a broader dialogue. Don’t promise to keep their answer a secret.
• Be there. This could mean being present or on the phone. You could be a buffer for them in their time of distress.
• Keep them safe. Ring a helpline if you are unsure what to do. Ask yourself if they have determined a plan for suicide and if so, remove the risks that you can from their access.
• Help them connect. Introduce them to helplines, support groups, safety plans, and even counseling and consultation if you can.
• Follow up with them after your initial conversation. This reduces the risk, and it also reinforces their feeling of connectedness at this scary and risky time.

You’ve heard it all a million times - there are many helplines out there.

Let’s wrap up with a full list: https://www.mhc.wa.gov.au/getting-help/helplines/

We also found Reach Out very informative and useful: https://au.reachout.com