What to Text (and Not Text) When Someone Is Suicidal

We may be familiar with the ‘danger signs’ that someone may show when they are thinking of self-harm, such as talk of life being meaningless or painful, or overly generous acts such as giving treasured items away. And it can feel overwhelming when we do come across such signs. “How can I help?”, “Is there something I can do?”, “I don’t want to lose them” are thoughts that may cross our mind. And we’re here to help! While seemingly trivial, reaching out to them via text can be helpful. Here are 10 things to text or not to text someone who may be suicidal: 

1. Assure them of your support. “I am here. Would you like to share with me?”  

2. Thank them for making the effort to share with you. “Thank you for telling me.” 

3. Acknowledge their feelings first, solutions can wait. “I hear your pain.”

4. It is okay to ask, “Are you planning to harm or kill yourself?” It won’t increase the likelihood of self-harm and we can better take precautionary actions if they do have plans. 

5. If they do have thoughts of suicide, encourage them to seek immediate help. “I am concerned for you. Would you like to speak to a mental health expert?”

6. If they do not, still encourage them to seek professional help, “I think it may be helpful. I can help look up some and go with you if you would like.” 

7. Remind them that you are thinking of them from time to time. “Hey, I saw this and it reminded me of you!” 

8. DON’T say “I know how you feel”. Even if it may seem similar, the situation and the emotions that they are going through may be different from what you have experienced or envisioned.  

9. DON’T say “Others have it worse than you do.” It’s not a competition of who has it worse, and doing so may make the individual feel like they matter even less.  

10. DON’T say “Get over it.” They would like for their hurt to be gone too, and saying such things may make them feel like their emotions don’t matter. 

A loved one contemplating or engaging in self-harm is a painful experience for both the individual and their loved ones. And it is natural that we may yearn to quickly rush in and to save them, to present them with solutions or our assessments of their situations. However, remember that this is about their pain. As such, simply being there and providing them a listening ear to their problems goes a long way, and you are already helping. 

Kpods: Risks, Reasons and Support That Helps

The truth is, the answer is rarely simple. While the headlines often highlight the dangers, let’s understand the human side: why people turn to Kpods, what risks they face, and how we can respond with care.

If you are a parent concerned about your child, see our article: Kpods and Teens: A Practical Guide for Parents. 

What Are Kpods?

Kpods are vape pods laced with ketamine, a dissociative drug sometimes used in hospitals as an anaesthetic. More recently, another drug, Etomidate, has also been found in some of these laced vapes. Etomidate is a powerful anaesthetic meant for use in hospitals under strict medical supervision.

When used outside of medical supervision, the effects can be unpredictable and serious. Side effects include: 

Ψ Shaking or tremors 
Ψ Slurred speech and confusion 
Ψ Loss of balance and difficulty walking 
Ψ Memory blackouts or detachment from reality 
Ψ Damage to adrenal glands, intestines, and brain 
Ψ Mental health risks: depression, anxiety, panic attacks, sleep disturbances, and psychosis 

Even one-time use can be dangerous, and repeated use increases the risk of long-term physical and psychological harm. 

Why Do People Use Kpods?

People rarely use Kpods just to “get high.” Often, substance use is a response to emotional pain or unmet needs. There’s usually more going on beneath the surface. Understanding these reasons does not mean we approve of the behaviour. Rather, it helps us respond in ways that are more supportive and effective.

Ψ Escape pain or stress: Ketamine’s dissociative effect can feel like an escape from reality, while Etomidate’s sedative properties can temporarily numb emotional distress. 
Ψ Fit in with peers: Peer influence and the need to “fit in” can play a big role in experimentation, especially if the risks are downplayed. 
Ψ Curiosity: Stories or conversations about Kpods, especially those that do not mention the risks, can spark a desire to try them “just once.”
Ψ Chase a stronger experience: Regular vape users may be drawn to the idea of “stronger hits,” unaware of the potent and dangerous drugs inside.  

How to Support Someone Using Kpods 

Your response matters. Fear or frustration is natural, but support fails if it is clouded with shame and criticism. Focus on leading the conversation with empathy and curiosity. 

What to avoid: 

Ψ “Just stop it.” 
Ψ “You’re destroying your life.” 
Ψ “I’ll report you if you don’t quit.” 

What to try instead: 

Ψ “I’ve noticed you haven’t been yourself lately. What’s been going on?” 
Ψ “Let’s talk about what you’ve been going through. Life must have been hard for you.” 
Ψ “I’m here to listen, and understand, not to judge. What’s making it hard to stop using?”
Ψ “Can we try to explore other ways to help you feel better?”
Ψ “We can get through this together.”

These gentle openings build trust. When someone feels heard and understood, they are more likely to open up. That’s when real change can begin.  

Encouraging Professional Help 

Recovery is not a straight line. It is a journey with setbacks, detours, and gradual change. But with the right support, individuals can learn to manage better and overcome addiction.  

If someone is open to it, encourage them to speak with a psychologist or addiction counsellor. Offer to accompany them if you are comfortable.

Therapy can help with:  

Ψ Identifying emotional triggers 
Ψ Learning healthy ways to cope 
Ψ Rebuilding a sense of self-worth 
Ψ Setting goals and creating structure 
Ψ Reducing harm while working towards change 

Where to get help: 

Ψ NAMS Helpline: 6732 6837 
Ψ National Mindline: 1771 (for personal support and guidance) 
Ψ Any emergency: call 995 or head to the nearest A&E department (especially if person is unconscious, hallucinating, in immediate danger)

A Final Thought 

If you or someone you care about is caught up in Kpod use, it can feel frightening and overwhelming. But change rare begins with shame or punishment. It begins with understanding, support, and the courage to ask for help. 

Substance use does not define a person’s character or worth. It is often a sign that something deeper needs attention.

With the right support, people can recover, rebuild their confidence, and find healthier ways to cope. Remember that you do not have to navigate this situation alone, there are trained professionals who are ready to support you.

5 hygiene hacks when a shower is just too much

Showering can feel like a daunting task. Mentally, we’re drained, so it’s not a priority. But we need to clean ourselves for the sake of our physical health. Not only is showering a part of basic hygiene, but it can also improve our self-esteem and even help us relax. The next time a shower is too much for you, try any of these 5 hacks. 

1. Take a seat 

We don’t have to be standing in the shower! Try using a stool or shower seat. Make sure everything – soaps and showerhead - is within arm’s reach. 

2. Set the mood 

Taking a shower may not be something we look forward to. Try pairing it with something fun, like watching your favourite drama. Lying in bed with your phone? Turn on your shower playlist first, and sing along while you soap up.  

3. Take baby steps  

Undressing can feel like the biggest first step of the shower. If you’re not ready, keep your clothes on. Start by washing your face, or washing your hair over the sink. Smaller steps are still steps in the right direction! 

4. Take the shortcut sometimes 

When getting into the shower is too impossible, go for alternatives. Opt for dry shampoo and wet wipes, and use a leave-in conditioner. 

5. Set a goal 

Set a goal for the week. Whether it is taking one full shower or just washing your hair, make it a point to work towards that goal. Reward yourself with a treat after you have accomplished it. You can even get a friend to keep you accountable. 

Taking a shower is a form of self-care. Let’s remember to celebrate the little steps we took – whether it was washing our faces, turning on the shower head, or taking a whole shower!