Need Urgent Help or Support?

It is common for people experiencing emotional distress to have thoughts of harming themselves or that they would be better off dead. If you are feeling concerned about your safety, it’s important that you tell someone – you don’t need to struggle alone.

Remember suicide is preventable. You are not alone and can get help now.

Suicide is not chosen; it happens when pain exceeds resources for coping with pain. You are not a bad person, weak, or flawed because you feel suicidal, experience suicidal thoughts or thoughts of being better off dead. It doesn't even mean that you really want to die – it only means that you have more pain than you can cope with right now.

How can I help myself?

If you are feeling suicidal, don't try to cope alone. Sometimes problems seem impossible to manage or the mental anguish is unbearable.

1. You have made the first step by telling your doctor or a health professional. They will have discussed treatments and options with you. If you have been given antidepressants, remember that they take two or three weeks to start working, and then work gradually.
2. Please use any self-help information your practitioner has provided you with.
3. Try and tell your friends and family, who will support you by spending time with you. Talking to a family member or a friend or a colleague can bring huge relief.
4. Try to avoid long periods of time on your own, especially if you just sit and dwell on things.
5. Plan your day and set small, easy to achieve tasks. This will keep you occupied and give a sense of achievement.
6. You must try and eat, at best little and often, and try to drink up to two litres of water each day.
7. Avoid alcohol and non-prescription drugs.
8. Get someone to help you clear out old medicines and anything harmful when you find yourself dwelling on this.
9. Try to distract yourself by phoning a friend, going out, reading a magazine, etc.
10. Exercise can make you feel better, at least 30 mins a day.
11. Just try and be kind to yourself. It will pass, don’t be afraid of how you feel, try and be brave and keep safe.

Helplines

When it feels really bad, or when you find things building up CALL:

Samaritans

To speak to a Samaritan volunteer any time of day or night, call 116 123. Calls on this number are automatically sent to the nearest free line, which could be your local branch or another. www.samaritans.org

NHS 111 - for 24/7 Mental Health Support

Telephone: 111 (Select Mental Health Option 2). If it is not a 999 emergency but you are experiencing an immediate mental health crisis, call 111, and select the mental health option. Provides 24-hour expert advice, assessment and support for individuals, their children, or someone they care for with mental health difficulties.  

Childline

For children and young people under 19. Call 0800 1111 – the number will not show up on your phone bill.

Shout

Text SHOUT to 85258 for a free and confidential text support service, when texting is easier than saying it out loud. SHOUT is there for moments when you are dealing with suicidal thoughts and need support to get to a calmer place.

Are feelings of suicide common?

Most people at some point in their lives will have a suicidal thought but for the majority this will be a fleeting or at least short-lived experience.

When do suicidal thoughts become problematic?

Thoughts of suicide should always be taken seriously but if these thoughts are persistent, occur frequently, are strong and for the individual there appears to be no alternative, then immediate action should be taken to get support and help.

Contact emergency services

Are you at high risk at this time of killing yourself? Do you have a plan and the means to complete suicide?

If so, call 999 RIGHT NOW.

It's okay to feel the way you are feeling and there are people around who can help you. When you are feeling suicidal, talk to someone immediately.