Sia Opens Up About a Near Suicide Attempt in Rolling Stone Interview

In an interview with Rolling Stone, “Chandelier” singer Sia opened up about a past suicide attempt, a near suicide attempt a few years after and her struggle with addiction.

The night she wrote the song, “Breathe Me” (a hit single that sold over 1.2 million copies in the U.S.), she attempted suicide and survived. A few years, and two albums, later, the singer had plans to carry out suicide, but in that moment received a phone call from a friend, who greeted her with “Squiddly-diddly-doo!” — a phrase Sia used to say in happier times.

Reflecting on the memory, she said, “There must have been a part of me that really wanted to live. Because in that moment, I thought, ‘There’s a world out there and I’m not a part of it. But I might like to be.’”

Sia abandoned her plan and called her dog-walker instead, who was sober. The next day, she went to her first 12-step meeting to address her struggle with substance use.

While friendship cannot “cure” mental illness, addiction or suicidal ideation, the importance of reaching out to loved ones who are struggling with suicidal ideation cannot be overstated. Mighty community member Erik T. had a similar experience as he was about to attempt suicide. He shared:

As I was about to go through with it, my phone got a text. It was a friend (now my partner) telling me they loved and cared about me, that something inside was screaming for them to tell me right then and there. I still struggle with the thoughts and ideation, but I haven’t made a serious attempt since that last one.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), suicide is the leading cause of death among people with substance abuse disorders. Additionally, people treated for alcohol dependence are at about a ten times greater risk for suicide, compared to the general population.

If you find yourself struggling with suicidal thoughts and need support right now, call the National SuicidePrevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or reach the Crisis Text Line by texting “START” to 741741.

For more resources for supporting someone who’s suicidal, check out the pieces below:

What to Do When You’re Worried a Loved One Might Be Suicidal

24 Real Ways to Help Someone Who’s Feeling Suicidal

23 Messages for Anyone Considering Suicide, From People Who’ve Been There