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Suicidal Thoughts

Suicidal Thoughts

If you need immediate help because someone is seriously hurt or has taken an overdose, seek emergency help by phoning 999 or by visiting your local A&E. 

 

If someone you care about is in crisis and does not feel that they can keep themselves safe, make sure they are not on their own. If you believe they are at immediate and serious risk of suicide, support them to contact their GP and ask for an emergency appointment or go to their local Accident and Emergency department.

 

You can also call the Nottinghamshire Crisis Line on 0808 196 3779 (available 24/7) or the Samaritans on 116 123 (24/7).  SHOUT: is a free, confidential, anonymous text support service for anyone struggling to cope. Available 24/7. Text SHOUT to 85258.

 

If someone you care about is having thoughts about suicide…

If your friend or family member is feeling down and can see no way out, if they are having thoughts about suicide or harming themselves, let them know there is help out there for them. Lots of people have felt like this and have been able to get help and support, and they can too.

 

Talk to them and make sure they’re not on their own. If they don’t want to talk to you, encourage them to talk to someone else they trust. There are lots of helplines they can phone or text – check out our Get Help Now links further down on this page.

 

People can have suicidal thoughts for lots of different reasons.  Some of the most common reasons are:

  • deep depression and sadness
  • feeling helpless or worthless
  • feeling overwhelmed by what’s happening in your life, and like there’s no way out
  • an important relationship ending
  • someone you love dying, especially if they took their own life
  • feeling angry and that things can’t change
  • chronic pain or physical health problems
  • life experiences

 

What can I do to help?

If you are concerned about someone, it is always safest to ask. There may or may not be signs.

 

Remember that it is okay to talk to about suicide and self-harm. Talking doesn’t increase the risk and can do the opposite. We know that asking isn’t always easy and talking about suicide and self-harm can feel scary. The free online training below can help you to feel more confident to speak to someone about suicide.

 

Useful tips, resources and training:

  • Stay calm and encourage the person you care about to talk to you about what’s going on for them. You can really help by just being there, listening and giving support
  • Encourage the person you care about to get help, maybe offer to go with them
  • Try and find out whether they have an intent or plan to attempt suicide. They might have thought about how, when and where to do it.
  • Safety plans can help remind people how to help themselves through hard times or during a crisis. They can be a reminder of who is there to support us, practical ways to keep safe and what we can do if we are at risk of hurting ourselves. Anyone can create a safety plan and you might to look at this with the person you care about. You can find more information by visiting the StayAlive or Staying Safe website.
  • Your friend/family member might get angry with you or tell you that you don’t understand. It is important to try not to take this personally. Often, when people are feeling bad about themselves, they get angry with the people they are closest to
  • If someone they know has recently died by suicide, check in with them regularly. This is a time when people are more vulnerable to suicide themselves. The Tomorrow Project can offer support to anyone bereaved or affected by suicide. You can call them on 0115 880 0280, or email Bereavement@tomorrowproject.org.uk
  • Supporting someone who is struggling can be difficult and distressing. It is important for you to look after yourself too. You may not always be able to be there for your friend/family member, and that’s okay.

 

Suicidal thoughts and feelings don’t look the same on everyone, take a look at this video from Calm:

Get Help Now