Suicidal thoughts can happen to any of us, at any time. Often people start noticing these thoughts after a traumatic or stressful event in their life but sometimes there's no obvious trigger.
Who you are, what you feel and what has happened or is happening in your life does not change the fact that there's help available. Whether you've just started to notice or have had similar thoughts for a long time you can change things for the better, today.
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to your nearest A&E now if:
- someone's life is at immediate risk, for example by serious injury or overdose.
Coping right now
- focus on getting through today
- get yourself to a safe place, like a friend's house
- be around other people
- stay away from drugs and alcohol
If you're feeling overwhelmed or out of control you can try these practical tools from Mind. Find out what you can do to help yourself cope and how you can distract yourself.
You can also read advice on how to cope with suicidal thoughts from Rethink Mental Illness.
Phone a helpline
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
Message a webchat
Samaritans
For everyone - open 24 hours
Webchat: samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/chat-online/
Childline
For children and young people under 19 - open 24 hours
Webchat: childline.org.uk/get-support/1-2-1-counsellor-chat/
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
For men - open 5pm to midnight every day
Webchat: href="https://www.thecalmzone.net/help/webchat/">thecalmzone.net/help/webchat/
Switchboard LGBT+
For anyone who identifies as LGBT+ - open 10am to 10pm every day
Webchat: switchboard.lgbt
Coping with suicidal thoughts
Making a safety plan
If you struggle with suicidal thoughts or are supporting someone else, it may help to make a safety plan to use if you need it.
The Staying Safe website provides information on how to make a safety plan, including video tutorials and online templates to guide you through the process.
You can also get information on planning for a mental health crisis from Mind