Support for Suicidal Thoughts
The current times have brought uncertainty, insecurity or isolation for many members of our community. Anyone can experience suicidal thoughts, and many people think about suicide at some point in their lifetime. Fortunately, these feelings are usually temporary (even though it might not feel that way in the moment) and help is available. It is really important to talk to someone if you are feeling this way, whether that’s a trusted friend or family member, NHS support, or voluntary organisations.
There is no one right way to talk about suicidal thoughts, the important thing is to start a conversation with someone that you trust.
NHS Support
· Contact your GP surgery to request an emergency appointment (GPs are the first point of call for many people who are struggling with their mental health)
· If your GP surgery is not open, call the free NHS medical line on 111 for help accessing the right services.
If you feel like you cannot keep yourself safe and you are in immediate danger of harming yourself or attempting to take your life:
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- Go to the closest Accident and Emergency (A&E Department).
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- Call 999 to request an ambulance if you cannot go to the hospital yourself
Voluntary Organisations
Samaritans: Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair. Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline) Website: www.samaritans.org
Shout Shout is the UK’s first 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help. Text Shout to 85258 Website: https://www.giveusashout.org/
CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35. Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight). Livechat and Whatsapp support also available. Website: www.thecalmzone.net
LGBT Switchboard: Switchboard provides an information, support and referral services for LGBTQIA+ people throughout the UK. Telephone Helpline –0800 0119100 open 10am till 10pm every day. www.switchboard.lgbt
The Silver Line Friendship and advice to older people The Silver Line is the only free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Call 0800 4 70 80 90. Website: https://www.thesilverline.org.uk/
International Support: For those outside the UK, a list of organisations can be found here.
Hub of Hope: Not a crisis service, but does list local mental health support organisations in your area, if you are looking for longer-term mental health support: https://hubofhope.co.uk/
Other Tips
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- Avoid alcohol and drugs
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- If you are able to, go to a safe place e.g. a friend’s house
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- Make a safety plan – this is a written document that you create to identify actions and strategies to resist suicidal thoughts and develop positive ways to cope with stress and emotional distress. There are a number of templates available including:
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- Make a safety plan – this is a written document that you create to identify actions and strategies to resist suicidal thoughts and develop positive ways to cope with stress and emotional distress. There are a number of templates available including:
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