Suicide

Suicide is the act of intentionally taking your own life.

People who are experiencing suicidal thoughts are often so overwhelmed with negative feelings that it seems like they have no option but to end their lives.

Often, there is no one main reason which leads someone to take their own life, but rather it can be the result of a number of problems building up, which there seems to be no way to cope with.

Suicidal feelings can be terrifying and painful for the person who is experiencing them.

The best thing to do if someone is feeling this way is to talk about it.

A common fear is that by asking someone if they are feeling suicidal, you are planting this idea in their head.

If they are not thinking about suicide, asking them will not change this. Speaking openly can help people to see things more clearly and can be the first step to seeking help.

People with mental health problems are at higher risk of suicide, as are men, people who are unemployed, people living in poverty or in poor social conditions or those who misuse drugs and alcohol.

Common Experiences

Hopeless, like there is no point in living.
Tearful and overwhelmed by negative thoughts.
Unbearable pain that you can't imagine ending.
Useless, not wanted or not needed by others.
Desperate, as if you have no other choice.
Like everyone would be better off without you.
Cut off from your body or physically numb.
Fascinated by death.

Signs to look for:

It can be difficult to identify people who are suffering from the emotional distress that can lead to suicide. However, there are signs to look out for if someone is at risk:

Finding it hard to cope.
Withdrawing from friends and family.
Not taking care of themselves.
A loss of self-worth.
Appearing more tearful.
Not wanting to be with people.

Personal Story

“Phil [my son] suffered discrimination nearly every day.

“He had terrible depression and dealt with it by self-medicating, he was called an alchy, a junkie, a waste of space. It makes me weep to think how my lovely, gentle, clever boy suffered.

“After losing Phil, people would avoid me and those who didn't certainly did not want to talk about Phil's suicide. They did not want to talk about it, and talking was the one thing I wanted to do.”

- Moureen

For further support, contact Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 or text 07725 90 90 90.

You can also email jo@samaritans.org

NHS 24 is open 24 hours, phone 111 and choose the mental health options.

Childline

For children and young people under 19 – open 24 hours.

Phone: 0800 1111

Breathing Space

For everyone – open Monday to Thursday 6pm to 2am and Friday 6pm to Monday 6am at weekends.

Phone: 0800 83 85 87

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

For men – open 5pm to midnight every day

Phone: 0800 58 58 58

Switchboard LGBT+

For anyone who identifies as LGBT+ – open 10am to 10pm every day

Phone: 0300 330 0630

More Information