Suicidal Thoughts

If you’re feeling suicidal right now, there is support available to help keep you safe. See urgent support.

If you think you are in immediate risk , contact emergency services by calling 999, or go to A&E.

How to identify suicidal thoughts

Everyone feels sad or low from time to time. These emotions are normal and are a part of being human.

If you've been struggling with these emotions for a while or they are very intense, you may feel like the only way to relieve them is to end your life. Suicidal thoughts can feel like an escape from your emotions and the problems you’re facing. You’re not alone. There is help available to get you through this.

How to identify feeling overwhelmed

If you’ve been experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings, especially over a long period, it can be hard to recognise that you may be feeling overwhelmed. Here are some signs that might help you to identify these feelings:

●      Losing interest in things you previously enjoyed.

●      Becoming withdrawn from others.

●      Always thinking or talking about death.

●      Feeling low.

●      Struggling with your sleep- for example, sleeping too much or not enough.

●      Struggling with your eating.

●      Self-harming.

What to do if you have suicidal thoughts

If you are feeling suicidal right now, there is support available to help keep you safe. See urgent support.

If you think you are in immediate risk , contact emergency services by calling 999, or go to A&E. 

Talk to someone you trust

Experiencing suicidal thoughts can feel like a very lonely experience. There are people around you who can support and help you. Talk to someone you trust, like an adult in your life. They may be able to listen to how you’re feeling and help keep you safe.

You may find it easier to contact a helpline. Helplines can be a safe space to talk about how you’re feeling. They will not judge you. You can get in touch with them in different ways, such as by phone call, text, instant messaging or email. For a list of helpline numbers, see urgent support.

Get support from a professional

Talking to someone you trust can be really helpful to explore how you’re feeling. It is also important to seek professional support.

Your GP can help put you in contact with local services. This will help you access support for your mental health. They can also provide you with important information on how you and the people around you can keep you safe.

If you’re already getting mental health support and are experiencing suicidal thoughts, it is important to talk to your clinician about it. They need to be aware, so that they can give you the support you need. 

Create a Safety plan

You can make a safety plan, to help keep you safe, with the help of the adults around you. See a guide on how to create a safety plan.

Get support

Apps

Calm Harm: Free app that uses strategies from Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) to help you identify and manage your ‘emotional mind.’ It teaches impulse control, emotional regulation and tracks underlying triggers to harmful urges. Get it from your app store.