Get Help for Suicide

What to do if you're feeling Suicidal right now

A suicidal person needs to speak with a helpline, a doctor or another healthcare professional immediately.  They are trained to help you.  They will not judge. They want to help. 

Mental heath struggles can make our problems feel overwhelming and permanent.  You may feel like you want to die.  Though it can be hard to believe right now, but with time and help, you can get through it and you will feel better.  Other people have felt like this and got through.  You can too. 

In an Emergency, attend A&E 

• If you feel suicidal, have self-harmed or require medical attention, call 999 or 112 or head straight to your local Emergency Department.  This is the quickest route to getting professional help.
• It's important to get medical attention to treat wounds or injuries.
• Attending A&E can bring unique challenges in these circumstances.  3Ts have put together a useful guide to help you get the most from your visit  click here.

Talk to someone - friend, family or helpline

• Speaking with someone who cares, who understands and is non-judgmental can help you through this. 
• Being listened to by someone who understands can be a big relief in itself. It can help you feel supported and help you through this. 
• Reach out to a friend, family member, helpline or your healthcare professional.  There are people and organisations who want to provide you with the support you need. 
• If you prefer to speak anonymously or to text, contact a crisis helpline listed above. They are trained to give you the assurance and help that you deserve right now. For additional helpline & specialist support numbers click here.

If you can, have someone with you

• If at all possible, it’s important to have someone you trust with you. Whatever time of day or night, if you can, contact someone you trust to be with you.  
• Tell them you're feeling suicidal and that you need them. They won't be angry or upset with you.  They may be upset for you, but they'll want to help you. 
• Family & friends would do anything to help if we were drowning or in an accident, and it's the same if a loved one is suicidal.  So tell someone now if your life is in danger from suicide. 
• If this isn't an option, phone or text one of the helplines listed above or get yourself to A&E. 

Doctors and medical professionals 

• Seeking medical help from your GP is a good first step to recovery. 
• Whether your suicidal are just beginning to take shape or you've been having them for some time, your GP is trained for this and will want to help you. Your health is their priority, both physical and mental. 
• Rest assured that they’ve heard everything and they don't judge, no matter how unusual you feel your situation is.
• They may prescribe medication or discuss other therapies with you to suit your particular needs. 
• They can help you understand some of the physical affects mental ill health can have on the body and can discuss helpful lifestyle changes.  
• Simply talking to your GP or Nurse and sharing your concerns with them can provide you with some relief. 

• Alcohol & Drugs blur logic and let emotions and impulses take over. When we feel low, drugs or alcohol can exaggerate these impulses and distort how bad things are. 

Dispose of means

• Safely dispose of any means you were/are considering using.  Not having access to your chosen method of suicide is a practical & positive step.  Get rid now.

What would you tell a friend who felt Suicidal?

• Tell yourself or write down what you'd tell a suicidal friend. Show yourself the same compassion you'd show them.
• You too are worthy of this compassion and of the help of others. 

Other people felt Suicidal but are now glad to be alive

• Try to remember this.  It’s true.  This is the outcome for so many people, and is likely to be for you too. The pain may be unbearable now, but these suicidal feelings can be temporary. This can be an impulse that will pass. 

Follow medical advice & treatment programme

• Be patient with treatment.  Take comfort that you've started your road to recovery but remember that medical and talk therapies all take time.  However, the positive effects of treatment will come in time and will be worth it.   
• It’s a marathon not a race and just like running, whatever the pace, you're always making distance.

There are people who want to help

• No matter how bad or unique your problems may feel, there are people and organisations who can support you. 
• Don't underestimate the benefit of relief once you share your concerns with another person, whether friend, family, medical professional or specialist helpline. It can be a great source of strength.
• You are worthy. You deserve to feel better.  Take that first step and reach out for the help and support you need.