I recently attempted suicide

If things feel intense, focusing on your immediate safety is the most important step.

You might:

• Move to a place where you feel a bit safer
• Put some distance between you and anything you could use to harm yourself
• Stay around other people, even if you’re not talking to them
• Create or follow a safety plan if you already have one

A safety plan is a simple, personalised guide you can use when things feel overwhelming. It’s something you create ahead of time (or come back to and update) so you don’t have to figure everything out in the moment.

It can include:

• Warning signs to help you notice when things are getting harder
• Small things that help you cope or feel a bit calmer
• People you can contact, including friends, family or support services
• Ways to make your environment safer
• Steps to get more support if you need it

You don’t have to use it perfectly, even following one or two steps can help you get through the moment. If you don’t have one, you can create one using the Beyond Now tool. It guides you step-by-step and saves your plan so you can come back to it when you need it.

The period after an attempt is often about focusing on stability and safety, rather than trying to solve everything at once. First, focus on basic self-care like getting enough sleep, eating regularly, staying hydrated and moving your body. 

This might look like:

• Getting out of bed or moving to a different space
• Eating something small or having a drink of water
• Having a shower, washing your face or changing clothes
• Stepping outside for some fresh air or sitting near a window
• Doing something familiar or comforting, like wrapping up in a blanket, watching something gentle or listening to music

These steps might seem small, but they can help you feel a little more grounded and cared for. They can also help create some structure when everything feels uncertain or overwhelming.

If the day feels too big, try focusing on the next 10-15 minutes. Then check in with yourself again. You don’t have to get everything done. One small step is enough.

If you were given a discharge plan or follow-up appointment, try to keep those appointments. They’re there to support you through this period.

If you’re not currently connected with a GP, psychologist or mental health service, consider reaching out to one when you feel able. You might also need to organise practical things like a medical certificate if you need time off – a GP or hospital can help with this.

Talking with a friend, family member, carer or support service can also help you feel less alone. Sometimes, saying things out loud can reduce the intensity and help you get through the moment.

If it feels hard to know what to say, you could try:

• ‘I’m not okay right now. Can you stay with me?’
• ‘I’ve been having a really tough time and could use someone to talk to.’
• ‘I don’t need you to fix anything. I just don’t want to be alone.’

You don’t have to explain everything; just starting the conversation is enough.

If you don’t have someone to reach out to, you can connect with trained counsellors who are there to listen:

• Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7 phone support)
• Lifeline text (0477 13 11 14) or online chat
• Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

These services are free, confidential and available any time. You can talk openly about how you’re feeling, even if you’re not sure what you need.

After a suicide attempt, it’s common to experience a mix of emotions – sometimes all at once, or changing from moment to moment.

You might feel:

• Overwhelmed, exhausted or emotionally drained
• Ashamed, guilty or embarrassed about what happened
• Unsure how to make sense of it, or what it means
• Regret that you attempted and ended up injuring yourself
• Relieved to still be here
• Disappointed or confused that the attempt didn’t work
• Numb, flat or disconnected
• Worried about how others see you or what might happen next

There’s no single ‘right way’ to feel. Your response will be shaped by your experiences, your situation and what led up to the attempt. Even if your feelings are intense or hard to understand, they are valid, and they can change over time.

The feelings that come up after a suicide attempt are often connected to how much you’ve been carrying.

For many people, these experiences can reflect:

• Emotional pain that felt too overwhelming to manage
• A need for relief from distress, pressure or exhaustion
• Feeling stuck, trapped or unsure how to move forward
• Feelings like shame or guilt are also very common.

You might find yourself judging what happened or worrying about how others will respond.

It can help to remember:

• These feelings are a response to what you’ve been going through, not a reflection of your worth
• Having these thoughts or feelings doesn’t mean you’ve failed
• You don’t have to have everything figured out right now.

With time and support, these feelings can become easier to understand and manage.

Many people who have been through a suicide attempt describe similar experiences, even if it doesn’t feel that way right now.

You might be finding it hard to talk about what happened, or unsure how much to share. If you do choose to talk to someone, it can help to keep it simple:

• ‘I’ve been going through a really difficult time’
• ‘I’m not ready to talk about everything, but I could use some support’
• ‘I’m still figuring things out’

You’re allowed to take your time and share at your own pace. It’s also okay to set boundaries, including choosing who you talk to and what you feel comfortable sharing. If talking to people in your life feels difficult, a counsellor, support service or peer forum can offer a space where you don’t have to manage how others react.

Staying connected to support can make a big difference as you recover.

If you were given a discharge plan or follow-up appointment, try to keep those appointments. They’re there to support you through this period. If you’re not currently connected with a GP, psychologist or mental health service, you might consider reaching out to one when you feel able.

After a suicide attempt, relationships can feel complicated. You might worry about how others see you or feel unsure how to explain what happened.

Some people find it helpful to:

• Talk with a trusted friend, family member or counsellor
• Be honest about what support feels helpful right now
• Set boundaries if you’re not ready to talk about everything
• Remember that people who care about you often want to help, but may not know how

If rebuilding relationships feels difficult, support from a mental health professional or peer group can help guide these conversations.

Recovery is different for everyone. Part of the process is noticing what helps, even in small ways.

This might include:

• Recognising early signs that you’re struggling
• Finding coping strategies that help you feel calmer or more grounded
• Understanding what situations or pressures make things harder
• Building routines that support your wellbeing

It’s okay if this takes time. You don’t need to have all the answers right now.

Planning ahead can help you feel more prepared if things become difficult again. It means you don’t have to figure everything out in the moment.

A safety plan is a simple, personalised guide you can come back to when things feel overwhelming.

It can include:

• Warning signs to help you notice when things are getting harder
• Things that help you cope, even in small ways
• People you can contact, including friends, family or support services
• Ways to make your environment safer
• Steps to get more support if you need it

You can create a safety plan on your own or with a health professional or someone you trust. You can use the Beyond Now tool to build your plan step-by-step and save it so it’s there when you need it.

You may be wondering when or how to return to work, study or daily responsibilities. There’s no universal timeline. Some people need time to rest and recover before returning to their usual routines.

When you feel ready, it can help to:

• Talk with a health professional about what feels manageable
• Consider a gradual return, if possible
• Speak with a trusted supervisor, teacher or support service about any adjustments that might help
• Prioritise your wellbeing during this transition.

Recovery is about moving forward in a way that feels safe and sustainable.