Many people have had times when they feel very down and can’t see a way out. Sometimes these feelings are so strong and overwhelming it can lead to attempts to end their life. A person can feel so intensely negative about life they cannot see the point in carrying on. Many people have felt this way before. You are not alone. Please stop and know that there is hope and experienced people who can help you through this.
When does it happen?
Life changes and hormonal changes can mean young people are often more vulnerable to suicidal feelings, especially if they do not know how to overcome their problems and there is no one to help them. You could be at higher risk of a suicide attempt if you;
- Are depressed or have another mental illness
- Struggle with feelings of self-worth
- Use drugs or alcohol when you are upset
- Feel pressure and anxious about areas of your life or future
- Have lost someone you care about through suicide or sudden death.
These are some warning signs of suicidal feelings
- Always talking about, thinking about and searching on internet about death
- Deep depression and sadness
- Loss of interest and enjoyment in places/people and activities you previously enjoyed
- Having trouble sleeping and changes to your appetite
- Feeling worthless and overwhelmed
- Self-harming
- Feeling angry
What to do if you feel suicidal
If you’re reading this because you’re having suicidal thoughts, it is so important that you start to talk about your feelings and ask for help. This can feel very difficult but sharing your thoughts with someone you trust can give you a different perspective and allows the people who care about you, to help.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please speak up! There are people and places that can help you find a life that you want to live.
Who can I speak to?
- Talk to someone you trust, a family member or friend.
- If you can’t talk to anyone you know then please call a confidential helpline where a trained professional can support you (see below)
- Speak to your GP and find out which local services he/she can refer you to. Speaking to your GP can be daunting but remember it is confidential and they can help you access support.
- You might want to speak to a trusted teacher, minister, priest or other faith leader.
Help – I’m in crisis!
If you have hurt yourself or if you think you are about to hurt yourself you should call 999 now or ask someone to take you to A&E.
Instant support for suicidal thoughts:
Having the support of others is important when you’re dealing with depression. There are organisations, support groups and mental health forums where you can chat to young people in a similar situation.
YoungMinds Crisis Messenger – open 24/7
Text: YM to 85258 Provides free, 24/7 text support for young people across the UK experiencing a mental health crisis. All texts are answered by trained volunteers, with support from experienced clinical supervisors. Texts are free from EE, O2, Vodafone, 3, Virgin Mobile, BT Mobile, GiffGaff, Tesco Mobile and Telecom Plus. Texts can be anonymous, but if the volunteer believes you are at immediate risk of harm, they may share your details with people who can provide support.
Papyrus – open 9am – midnight 365 days a year
Call: 08000684141
Text 07860039967
Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Offers confidential advice and support for young people struggling with suicidal thoughts. It’s helpline service HOPELINEUK – is available to anybody under the age of 35 experiencing suicidal thoughts, or anybody concerned that a young person could be thinking be thinking of suicide.
ChildLine – Open 9am – midnight, 365 days a year
Call: 0800 1111
If you’re under 19 you can confidentially call, chat online or email about any problem big or small. Sign up for a free Childline locker (real name or email address not needed) to use their free 1-1 counsellor chat and email support service. They can also provide a BSL interpreter if you are deaf or hearing-impaired.
Written by Dr Louisa McClean
Clinical Psychologist
