I’m having suicidal thoughts
Sometimes when people are troubled by difficult circumstances including mental health conditions, relationship problems or loss, or financial difficulties or physical ill health, they may feel very hopeless and trapped, and may find themselves having thoughts about wanting to end their life.
In some cases these thoughts can progress to developing plans or ideas about how they might take their own life.
We strongly believe that suicide is preventable and want to ensure that people who need help can receive it when they need it.
Our experience is that these feelings can improve but it is important to find help.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or are worried about someone close to you reach out to Mindline Somerset for advice and support. Please get in touch with our team locally on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692.
If you are in crisis and need immediate support please contact 999.
How to recognise if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts
You might notice yourself thinking you don’t want to be here anymore, or that you are feeling trapped or a burden on others. You might notice that you have had thoughts about what you might do or have begun to make plans about how you might act on your thoughts. If you are feeling this way you must get help straightaway. Often sharing these thoughts can feel like a helpful first step and a relief not to be feeling this way alone.
How to get help
Open Mental Health will work with you to identify the factors that have led to you feeling this way. They will start with helping you to develop a safety plan so you know what to do when suicidal thoughts are difficult, how you can keep yourself safe, who you might be able to talk to and who to contact from professional services such as Mindline Somerset.
Options for help may include problem solving to explore what practical difficulties are contributing to how you feel, supporting you to access help with finances, accessing other social supports or activities which may help with feelings of isolation or loneliness, or lack of structure. You may be offered some sessions to develop techniques to manage distress or to address difficulties in your life which have led you to feeling this way.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or are worried about someone close to you reach out to Mindline Somerset for advice and support. Please get in touch with our team locally on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692.
Other ways that you can access support:
- Text SHOUT to 85258 and a trained crisis volunteer will text you back. This is great if you find talking on the phone challenging. It is completely free and available 24/7.
- Download the StayAlive app. This app is a pocket suicide prevention resource packed full of useful information and tools to help you stay safe in crisis. You can use it if you are having thoughts of suicide or if you are concerned about someone else who may be considering suicide.
- Visit the Staying Safe website.
You can also read letters of hope and stories of recovery on the NHS Somerset website here.
How to help someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts:
If you are worried about someone or supporting someone through a suicidal crisis this can feel very difficult, and it can be hard to know what to say.
Below are links to online resources that offer online information on how to support someone you’re worried about:
- The Samaritans
- Papyrus UK – Suicide Prevention Charity
- You may also find this free training provided by the Zero Suicide Alliance about asking someone if they are suicidal helpful. Many people find talking about suicidal thoughts very difficult to talk about directly although there is lots of evidence that this is a helpful thing to do.
- The StayAlive app
- Read the NHS Somerset carers information
You can also get in touch with Mindline Somerset, to get advice and support with how to help someone close to you.