This guide, while evidence based, is for informational and educational purposes only and is not

intended to constitute medical advice or be a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.
For more information about the:
Jed Foundation, go to: www.jedfoundation.org
Clinton Foundation, go to: www.clintonfoundation.org
Young and Well Research Centre, go to: www.youngandwellcrc.org.au
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SUICIDE
PREVENTION ON FACEBOOK, GO TO:
www.facebook.com/help/suicideprevention
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MENTAL
HEALTH AND HOW TO HELP YOURSELF
OR A FRIEND, VISIT:
www.headspace.org.au
Being a friend means helping others when they are down. Every day on
Facebook, people share millions of joyous moments. We see weekend
fun, birthdays and daily thoughts but life unfortunately, is not always
lled with only happy moments, and so the information people share on
sites like Facebook isnt always just about being happy.
Sometimes people post in their most vulnerable moments. And sometimes people share their deepest
insecurities, disappointments, feelings of loneliness or despair, or even worse.
If your friends call for help online, there are things that you can do to help them.
Before you take action remember to look after yourself and your needs as well. It can be very stressful when
a friend is going through a tough time. Listen and support them but if you are really concerned about your
friend it may be good to let their family or other trusted adults know you are concerned.
Facebook worked with the Jed Foundation, the Clinton Foundation in the US and the Young and Well
Research Centre and headspace in Australia to develop this Guide.
REMEMBERTO:
-
Listen without judgment interruptions. Let them
know that you believe what they are saying and
take them seriously.
-
Know your limits and do not place yourself in
physical danger the best way to help is to
connect your friend to a mental health
professional.
No matter what, you shouldnt
be embarrassed or worried about
offending or upsetting your friend.
Helping your friend may take
some courage, but it is always
worth the effort to support their
health and safety.
HELPA
FRIEND
INNEED
WARNINGSIGNS
THATSOMEONE
MAYNEED
URGENTHELPOR
MAYBEATRISK
OFSUICIDE
While it can be hard, particularly online, to know if someone is exaggerating, being sarcastic or being serious,
if someone threatens to take their own life, you should always take them seriously.
HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF THINGS SOMEONE AT RISK OF SUICIDE MIGHT SAY:
-
Talking about suicide or wanting to die: I want out; Everyone would be better off without me;
Theres no reason to live
-
Intense and urgent emotional despair or intense guilt or shame, feeling trapped: I cant take it [the pain]
anymore; There is no way out; Im done; Im so sorry for all the trouble Ive caused everyone
-
Showing rage or seeking revenge: Ill show you all; Shell be sorry
-
Saying goodbyes, giving away personal possessions: Ill miss you all;
You wont have to worry about me anymore
-
Glorifying or glamorizing death, or making death seem heroic: Death is beautiful
-
Asking where/how to get potentially lethal means, like access to pills or weapons
HOWTOHELPAFRIENDINURGENT
NEEDORWHOMAYBEATRISKOFSUICIDE
If someone is threatening their own life or someone elses life, this is an emergency. You need to tell somebody
immediately even if they have asked you not to. You can call 000 immediately or take your friend to the
emergency room of the nearest hospital. If its safe to do so, stay with that person or do what you can to contact
them or nd someone to stay with them until help arrives.
IF YOU NEED IMMEDIATE HELP, CONNECT
WITH ONE OF THESE HOTLINES:
-
Lifeline 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au
-
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 www.kidshelp.com.au
You can also report someone who may be suicidal to
Facebook directly: but if the person has made an explicit
threat of suicide, you should call 000 or one of the suicide
hotlines immediately.
POSSIBLEWARNINGSIGNS
OFEMOTIONALDISTRESS
If you see someone posting distressing messages or content on
Facebook or behaving dramatically differently than usual, it may
signal that this person needs help. If you have a gut feeling that
something is not right, you should act on it.
BE AWARE OF STATUSES/POSTS, MESSAGES,
PHOTOS OR VIDEOS THAT INCLUDE THE
FOLLOWING THEMES:
-
Talking about feeling alone, hopeless, isolated, useless,
or a burden to others: I feel like Im in a black hole;
I dont want to get out of bed... ever; Leave me alone;
I cant do anything right
-
Showing moodiness, irritability and hostility that is out of character: I hate everyone; F*@K the world
-
Talking about emptiness, numbness or meaninglessness: Theres nothing to look forward to;
Theres no point to life
-
Showing impulsive behaviors: like driving recklessly, a signicant change in, and especially
increase in substance use or taking other risks
-
Insomnia posts: 3am again and no sleep
-
Withdrawal from everyday activities: Missed another English class
Im such a waste; Another day in bed under the covers
-
Use of negative emoticons: repeatedly using emoticons that describe feeling:
HOWTOHELPAFRIENDINNEED
If you have a friend who seems to be struggling
with an issue that may be more serious than
they can handle, there is a lot that you can do
to support them.
Reach out, let them know they are not alone in
feeling this way and that its ok to ask for help.
Be clear and direct, and do not use hints such
as using the Like button or replying with an
emoticon, as these could be misinterpreted by
the person youre trying to help.
Never be afraid to give your friend a call,
pay a visit, or send them a Facebook message
to let them know you are concerned, and
offer to help connect them with any extra
support needed.
TRUSTYOUR
INSTINCTS
If you see someone posting
messages, photos, videos or links
that suggest the person is in
emotional distress, you should
reach out and help them to get
the help they may need.
UNDERSTANDING THAT IT CAN BE
TOUGH TO START THIS CONVERSATION,
HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS:
-
I am worried because you seem (e.g., sad,
withdrawn, etc). Have examples ready such as,
It concerned me when you said...
Be specic about what you noticed.
-
Do you want to talk about it? What can I
do to help? If they say no, then you might say:
Its okay if you dont want to talk to me,
but it is important that you talk to someone.
-
Offer to help them connect with a counseling
service or GP, a Chaplain, other students, or other
mental health services.