The Little Blue Book

Negative thoughts in conversation expressing a lack of future, helplessness, escape and loneliness: • “What’s the point? Nothing ever gets any better.” • “It’s all my fault, I’m just a stuff-up…” • “I just can’t do this anymore.” • “You’d be better off if I wasn’t here…” Absolutest thinking and language: • “Nothing I ever do makes a bit of difference.” • “No-one gives a shit about me anyway…” • “I’ll never get over this” • “There’s nothing I can do, my life’s completely rooted…” • Uncharacteristic persistent swearing And watch for: • Talking about or making oblique mentions of plans of suicide or death • Putting affairs in order, like giving away possessions of personal value or significance • Self-harming, risk-taking or recklessness (like driving recklessly or putting themselves in deliberate danger) • A sudden flip from deep, persistent negativity to cheerfulness. (This can be an indication that a person has ‘made the decision’ to act on their suicidal thoughts, and sees an end to their private pain.) Sydney Morning Herald; (smh.com.au ) from an article commenting on the writer’s enduring grief following the suicide death of an elder brother. “The helplessness I felt in trying to save my brother certainly made it seem like I was tackling a bigger drive than anyone could possibly have resisted. So is the answer to do nothing? Give up? Don’t bother? Forget about help? Ditch Lifeline and Beyond Blue? “No, for that is the opposite of life. To be on the side of life is to try, to strive, to reach out, to offer help in even the most hopeless of situations. That is the essence of humanity. That even if we think we can’t make a difference, the difference is that we madly try.” Richard Castles Acknowledgment: The information on these pages is sourced from: qld.gov.au/health/mental-health/suicide betterhealth.vic.gov.au sane.org/mental-health-and-illness/facts-and-guides/sane-steps-how-to-help-when- someone-is-suicidal beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/suicide-prevention/worried-about-suicide/having-a- conversation-with-someone-you’re-worried-about blackdoginstitute.org.au/clinical-resources/suicide-self-harm/how-you-can-help If you or someone you know may be at risk of suicide, please do seek professional advice right away. To be on the side of life To reach out, Call: Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 beyondblue.org.au Lifeline 13 11 14 lifeline.org.au ADA Australia ‘A friendly ear’ 1800 232 287 109 ADA Australia PostScript Section 2 Section 1 Section 3