All You Need to Know

• Why am I having suicidal thoughts?

  There can be a wide variety of reasons for feeling suicidal and it is not the same for everyone.

  Some common reasons are:

  • Depression or low mood
  • Low self-esteem
  • A physical health problem or chronic pain
  • Using drugs or alcohol, especially when you are upset
  • Anxiety
  • Feeling overwhelmed
  • Feeling alone or trapped in a situation
  • Experiencing a traumatic event.

  Your reasons for feeling suicidal are real and you should seek help. It is always possible to make things better, even if it doesn't feel that way.

• What signs do I need to look out for?

  Suicidal feelings can build up over a period of time and that can make them difficult to spot.

  The following can all be warning signs of feeling suicidal:

  • Always talking or thinking about death
  • Deep depression and sadness
  • Losing interest in daily life
  • Difficulty sleeping and eating
  • Feeling helpless or worthless
  • Self-harming.

  If you experience any of those things, it is time to talk to someone about how you are feeling and try to get help.

• What can I do to help myself right now if I'm feeling suicidal?

  If you have harmed yourself or you are at immediate risk of harming yourself, call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

  If you need to talk to someone now, call 111 and select the mental health option.

  If you are having suicidal thoughts, it can feel like nothing will help and you have no other option. Try to remember that these feelings will pass and there are things you can do to help yourself feel better.

  Don't act on your feelings right now. Focus on the immediate future - getting through today is your first small step. As time goes on, you might find that you are more able to cope than you are right now.

  • Speak to someone you trust - it could be a friend or family member. Explain how you are feeling and how they can help you. If you can't think of anyone, try a helpline such as Childline (for under-18s) or the Samaritans.
  • Get yourself to somewhere you feel safe. It might be a friend's house, or a public place, such as a library.
  • Avoid drugs and alcohol while you feel like this. They can affect your judgement and might make you feel worse.
  • Do something you enjoy. Exercising or spending time with a pet, can help to distract you and give you time for these feelings to pass.

• What can I do to help myself in the future?

  Speak to your GP - they will be able to tell you what support and services there are in your area and whether you should consider medication.

  It's a good idea to make a safety plan which you can refer to in a crisis. It includes reminders about how to keep yourself safe and why you might want to stay safe.

  Making a suicide safety plan

  If there is a problem or situation which is leading you to suicidal thoughts, for example, bullying, speak to someone you trust about it. They might be able to help you resolve the problem and that might help you move away from suicidal thoughts.

  You could also try making a self-soothe box, containing items which help you feel calmer. It is something you can reach for if you are feeling down, stressed or hopeless.

• How can I help a friend who is feeling suicidal?

  If you are worried about a friend don't be afraid to ask them directly if they are okay and tell them how concerned you are.

  They might be relieved to talk to you about it, so be prepared to listen calmly. Try to think of a trusted adult they can speak to who might be able to offer help and advice.

  Make sure you speak to someone as well. Trying to support a friend who has been feeling suicidal can be a big burden to carry.

  They might not want to talk to you, so just let them know you are there for them and encourage them to speak to someone. If they don't want to talk to anyone in person, suggest a helpline like Childline or the Samaritans.