When Distress Feels Too Heavy to Carry Alone
Suicide is not about wanting to be gone.
More often, it is about wanting the pain to stop.
Suicide is a deeply complex and sensitive topic. People who experience suicidal thoughts are usually overwhelmed, exhausted, and struggling to see a way forward. This distress can feel isolating, frightening, and hard to put into words. Talking about suicide openly and responsibly matters because silence often makes suffering heavier.
At Logic Lounge, we approach suicide-related concerns with care, respect, and evidence-based practice. Our role is not to judge or minimise distress, but to provide a safe and supportive space where people can feel heard and supported.
How Common Is Suicidal Distress?
Suicide remains a significant public health concern in Australia. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, more than 3,000 Australians die by suicide each year, and many more experience suicidal thoughts or behaviours.
What Often Sits Beneath Suicidal Thoughts
Suicidal distress rarely comes out of nowhere. It usually develops over time, often alongside emotional, psychological, or situational pressures.
Common contributors include:
- Depression, particularly when feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness persist
- Anxiety that feels relentless or exhausting
- Chronic stress or burnout, especially when rest no longer helps
- Relationship breakdown, grief, or family conflict
- Trauma or unresolved emotional pain
- Feeling like a burden or feeling deeply alone
Beyond Blue reports that around 1 in 5 Australians experiences anxiety or depression each year, both of which can increase vulnerability during periods of stress.
Psychologists Providing Support for Suicidal Thoughts & Emotional Distress
When Suicidal Thoughts Affect Young People
Children and adolescents can also experience suicidal thoughts, especially during periods of emotional upheaval, academic pressure, bullying, or family stress.
The AIHW reports that suicide is one of the leading causes of death for young Australians aged 15 to 24, highlighting the importance of early, developmentally appropriate support.
Source: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/children-youth/suicide-and-self-harm
Logic Lounge provides specialised support through our child psychology and children and adolescent psychology services, working with both young people and families to improve emotional safety, communication, and coping skills.
For adolescents experiencing intense emotions or self-harm urges, structured skills-based approaches such as DBT may be helpful. Our adolescent DBT program focuses on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and practical coping strategies.
How Therapy Can Help When Life Feels Unmanageable
Therapy for suicidal distress is not about judgment, lectures, or quick fixes. It is about creating space, reducing isolation, and helping people feel supported through difficult moments.
Support may involve:
- Talking openly about thoughts that feel scary or confusing
- Identifying triggers and early warning signs
- Learning emotional regulation and coping skills
- Strengthening support networks and protective factors
- Addressing underlying mental health concerns
Some people benefit from skills-based group programs, such as the DBT group therapy programs offered at Logic Lounge, which support emotion regulation and distress tolerance for both adults and adolescents.
In more complex situations, psychiatric input may also be helpful. Logic Lounge offers collaborative care through our Sydney psychiatrist services, supporting assessment, medication review, and integrated treatment when appropriate.
A Safe Place to Reach Out
At Logic Lounge, we understand that suicidal thoughts can feel frightening, confusing, or deeply personal. You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out.
Our clinicians provide calm, respectful, and evidence-based support for people experiencing suicidal distress, as well as for families and loved ones seeking guidance.
If you are struggling or if you are concerned about someone you care about, support is available. You do not have to carry this alone.
Immediate Support and Crisis Help
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please seek urgent help.
Australia-wide support services:
- Lifeline – 13 11 14 or https://www.lifeline.org.au
- Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467 or https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
- Emergency services – 000
Support is available 24 hours a day.
Find the right Psychologist for you
Our find a psychologist search tool allows you to easily find a psychologist or counsellor, tailored to your area of concern, your preferred language and the location that might be closest to you.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see a psychologist online?
Yes. We offer secure telehealth (video call & phone call) appointments.
How long until I can have an appointment?
Once your application is approved, we typically offer appointments within 5–7 days.
