Around 1 in 5 of us has had suicidal thoughts at some point*. You may feel very lonely right now, but you are definitely not alone.
*Source: OPCS Surveys of Psychiatric Morbidity 2007
“Having suicidal thoughts is nothing to be ashamed of. You are NOT alone. . . Please tell someone how you’re feeling"
Coping with suicidal thoughts
Having suicidal thoughts is nothing to be ashamed of.
Suicidal feelings can be terrifying.
If you are thinking about killing yourself, you may be feeling frightened, desperate, guilty or hopeless. You may be feeling all these feelings, and more. Feeling this way can make it very difficult to believe that anyone, or anything, can help. But you can challenge these feelings. You can choose to live and there are people who can help you with that.
You can survive this and stay safe:
There are people you can talk to and things you can do that will help you through these dark times.
Talk to someone:
You don’t have to keep these feelings to yourself and it’s OK to ask for help. Many people who have felt suicidal say that talking to someone else about these distressing thoughts and feelings was the first step to feeling better.
Call a helpline:
If you don’t feel able to speak to someone close to you, use one of the helplines below. That’s what they’re there for. They help thousands of people who are going through hard times every single day.
Keep yourself safe:
Agree with yourself and someone else that you won’t act on your suicidal thoughts while further help is being arranged. This includes removing any means of killing yourself, especially if you already have a plan in mind. It’s OK to talk openly about this.
Be aware:
Alcohol and drugs can often make things worse. It might be tempting to “drown your sorrows” but it may make you more likely to act on suicidal thoughts.
Get help:
If you are feeling desperate and unsafe, make an urgent visit to your GP, dial 999 or go to A&E and tell them exactly how your are feeling. No one is saying it will be easy – but keep holding the hope that it will get better.
Remember:
People DO get through this.
Helplines
NHS First Response Service (FRS)
By calling 111, and selecting option 2, you will be put through to a member of the FRS who will speak to you and discuss your current mental health needs.
Papyrus
Advice for young people at risk of suicide
0800 068 4141 (helpline 10am – 10pm, Monday – Friday and 2pm – 5pm, weekends and bankholidays)
07786 209697 (SMS)
www.papyrus-uk.org
Samaritans
116 123 (Freephone, 24 hour helpline)
www.samaritans.org
Lifeline
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Helpline
0808 808 2121 (Freephone)
9am to 2pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays)
2pm to 11pm, 365 days a year
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide
For those personally affected by suicide
0300 111 5065 (9am to 9pm)
www.uk-sobs.org.uk
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
A charity dedicated to preventing male suicides
0800 58 58 58 (5pm – midnight every day)
www.thecalmzone.net
Shout
Crisis text line
85258 (SMS)
www.giveusashout.org