Getting help
If you have had suicidal thoughts recently, or if you are feeling suicidal now, contact someone for help.
Talking to someone can help you see beyond the feelings of loneliness or despair. It can help you realise that there are other options apart from ending your life.
There are several telephone helplines with specially trained people who will listen to you, understand what you are going through and help you through the immediate crisis.
Helplines and support groups
Samaritans
Samaritans (08457 90 90 90) operates a 24-hour service that is available every day of the year.
If you prefer to write down how you are feeling, or if you are worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
Childline
Childline (0800 1111) runs a free helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number will not show up on your phone bill.
Other support groups
Other support groups for people who are feeling suicidal include:
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) - a voluntary organisation that supports teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal
- Depression Alliance - this charity for people with depression does not have a helpline, but offers a wide range of useful resources and links to other relevant information
- Students Against Depression - a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or suicidal thoughts
- Bullying UK - a website for both children and adults who have been affected by bullying
Help for young men
One reason so many young men die by suicide is because many men are reluctant to talk about their feelings or to seek help when they need it. Men may be more likely to avoid or ignore problems.
A support group called the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is an excellent resource for young men who are feeling unhappy. As well as the website, CALM also has a helpline (0800 58 58 58).
Talking to someone you trust
If you do not want to speak to someone on a helpline, you could talk to:
- a member of your family, a friend or someone you trust, such as a teacher
- your GP, a mental healthcare professional or another healthcare professional
- a minister, priest or other type of religious leader
Seeing your GP
Whoever you talk to, also see your GP. They can advise you about appropriate treatment if they think you have a mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety.
Helping your child
If you are concerned that your child may be feeling suicidal, the following advice may help:
- Notice when they seem upset, withdrawn or irritable.
- Encourage them to talk about their worries, listen to them and help them find their own solutions.
- Buy packs of medication in small amounts. This helps prevent impulsive suicides.
- Keep all medicines locked away, including painkillers such as paracetamol.
- Suggest that your child talks to their GP or a counsellor about how they feel.
