One conversation, one next step.

The person on the left wears a blue casual outfit. The person on the right has short, curly brown hair and wears black trousers and an all-white top. Both characters appear in an invented story; their actions and feelings do not describe real events or any public figure's personal health, participation or endorsement.

1. You do not have to carry this alone.

   The person may feel overwhelmed, exhausted or disconnected, even if those feelings are not visible to others. Finding words might feel difficult. When life feels overwhelming, it can be hard to see a way forward. Your feelings deserve care. Support is available, even if you are not sure what to say.

   Visual: A person stands beneath a cloud in a black sky with white stars and a white moon.

2. Start with someone you trust.

   Reaching out may bring nervousness or fear of being judged. The person might want company but not know how to ask. You might say, "I am having a hard time, and I need support." If you are thinking about suicide, you can say that directly. Ask someone you trust to stay with you while you reach out. Sharing a little at a time is okay.

   Visual: Another person arrives beside them. A speech bubble opens between them.

3. Listen. Make space. Stay connected.

   Being heard may help the person feel less alone, but distress might still be present. Silence, tears or uncertainty do not mean the conversation has failed. If you are worried about someone, ask calmly, "Are you thinking about suicide?" Listen without judgment. You do not need to fix everything or find perfect words. Help them connect with support, without promising to keep immediate danger secret.

   Visual: Two people remain side by side as a pink-red heart appears above them.

4. Prevention is bigger than one conversation.

   The person may feel trapped by pressures that caring words alone cannot remove. Money worries, unsafe housing, discrimination and isolation can add to distress. No one should have to solve these alone. Alongside emotional support, practical help with everyday needs can be part of a person's next step. Ask which pressure feels most urgent, rather than deciding for them.

   Visual: Two people share a neutral landscape with a home, representing connections between daily life and wellbeing.

5. Support should fit the person.

   Having to explain access needs again can feel tiring or discouraging. Being offered choices may help someone feel respected and more in control. Ask, "What would make it easier for you to get support?" Someone may prefer text, an interpreter, an accessible space or a trusted support person. Respect their choices, identity and communication needs. Nobody has to share their story to belong.

   Visual: A speech bubble and a phone represent different ways to communicate. The people remain side by side.

6. Culture, community and choice matter.

   A person may feel more at ease with support that respects who they are, but no one should assume what feels culturally safe for them. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, wellbeing can include connections to Country, culture, family and community. Each community is different. First Nations-specific prevention work must be community-led, with local priorities and consent guiding action. Ask what matters to the person.

   Visual: People stand together in a neutral, non-cultural landscape. No sacred imagery or claim to represent a particular Country or community is used.

7. A supporter can help you take the next step.

   Making a call or sending a text may still feel daunting. The person does not have to feel ready or have a clear explanation to ask for support. In Australia, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or text 0477 13 11 14. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can call 13YARN on 13 92 76. You can reach out even if you are unsure. A trusted person can sit beside you while you make contact.

   Visual: A phone lights up beside the two people. Contact links remain above the film.

8. Immediate danger needs immediate help.

   The person may feel frightened, numb or unsure what to do. You do not need to wait until you can explain everything before seeking urgent help. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, has already been harmed, or cannot stay safe, call 000 or go to an emergency department. If it is safe for you, stay with the person while help is arranged. Their safety matters even if they do not look distressed.

   Visual: A lit doorway represents a place to seek help. No injury or harmful act is shown.

9. One conversation. One next step.

   The person might feel a little more connected, or they may still feel overwhelmed. There is no required feeling at the end of a conversation, and recovery is not a straight line. Support can take time, and you deserve help along the way. If the first person cannot help, try another trusted person or service. Keep checking in. You do not have to do this alone.

   Visual: The cloud clears while the night sky remains. Two people stand together on the green landscape. This visual change does not mean their distress has disappeared.

This original HRUHU educational animation is not a clinical assessment or a substitute for professional support. It has not yet received clinical or lived-experience review.

Find Australian support contacts · Visit Lifeline · Visit 13YARN