Help if you have suicidal feelings

If you're struggling with suicidal thoughts, help and support are available right now. You are not alone, there are people who care about you and want to support you.

If you have seriously harmed yourself or feel that you are about to harm yourself, call or ask someone to call 999 for an ambulance or go straight to A&E.

You are not alone - talk to someone

Many people experience feelings of suicide, and while it may feel difficult to explain how you feel, it is important to reach out. Talking to someone you trust - a friend, family member, or trained professional - can help you get the support you need to feel safe. Many people who have struggled with suicidal thoughts and feelings have found hope.

How to open up about suicidal thoughts

If you are struggling, talking to someone about your feelings can be an important step toward getting support. Here are some ways to start the conversation:

Choose someone you trust - this could be a friend, family member, teacher, colleague, or healthcare professional.
Be honest about your feelings - you don't have to have the perfect words. Try saying, "I'm struggling right now," or "I'm feeling overwhelmed and don't know what to do."
Write it down - if speaking feels too difficult, consider writing a letter, text, or email explaining how you feel.
Use a helpline or chat service - if talking to someone face-to-face feels too hard, reach out to a crisis helpline for immediate support.
Ask for help in small steps - you don't have to share everything at once. Start with what feels comfortable and go from there.
Remember, you deserve support - no matter what you're going through, your feelings are valid, and help is available.

Tips for coping right now

If you're struggling, focus on getting through today. Try the following:

Find a safe space - stay with a friend or family member.
Be around others - isolation can make things worse.
Avoid drugs and alcohol - they can heighten distressing emotions.
Engage in an activity you enjoy - even small activities, like spending time with a pet, can help.
Grounding techniques - try deep breathing, mindfulness, or focusing on sensory experiences (holding ice, listening to music).
Practice self-compassion - you are not your thoughts. Remind yourself that these feelings are temporary and help is available.
Seek practical support - the Samaritans website has helpful advice on coping strategies.

Make a safety plan

Anyone can create a safety plan to help manage suicidal thoughts and help communicate your feelings with someone you trust. Consider writing down coping strategies, emergency contacts, and things that help you feel safe. It often helps to talk to someone who knows you as you create your plan, this could be a friend family member or healthcare professional.

The Zero Suicide Alliance: Safety Planning offers advice and information on safety plans.

Stay Alive app

The Stay Alive app, developed by Grassroots Suicide Prevention, is a UK-based suicide prevention resource with tools to help you stay safe in a crisis.

Features include:

a personalised safety plan
a LifeBox to store photos and memories that remind you of reasons to live
grounding techniques and strategies for staying safe
guided breathing exercises and an interactive Wellness Plan
direct links to local and national crisis resources

You can download the Stay Alive app from your app store.

Support services

NHS Mental Health Services

Find out how to access NHS Mental health services and where to get urgent help. Call NHS 111, option 2 or visit NHS: Mental health

If U Care Share

Offer a range of services aimed at prevention of suicides, intervention and supporting those bereaved by suicide. Text IUCS for a free and confidential chat (in partnership with SHOUT), call 0191 387 5661 or visit If U Care Share.

Samaritans

The Samaritans has information and advice on practical support and what to do if you are not feeling okay - call 116 123 or visit Samaritans.

Papyrus

A charity dedicated to preventing suicide and promoting positive mental health and emotional wellbeing - call 0800 068 4141 or visit Papyrus.

Calm: Campaign against living miserably

Access the helpline to talk and find support. 5.00pm to midnight, 365 days a year - call 08000 58 58 58 or visit Campaign Against Living Miserably.

SANE

Sane and the SANEline offers one-to-one emotional support for those times when you need it most. SANEline is open from 4.00pm to 10.00pm every day of the year - call 0300 304 7000 or visit Sane.