Suicidal thoughts
Sometimes, when people feel hopeless and can’t see a way for things to improve, they might experience thoughts of life not being worth living. If you or your child feels this way, or has thoughts about trying to hurt themselves, or end their life, it’s important that you seek help.
Someone might experience suicidal thoughts or feelings for a variety of reasons including due to bullying, abuse or prolonged distress.
Here are some signs that you or someone close to you might be experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings:
- being depressed or withdrawn
- start doing dangerous things or taking risks
- might be saying things like “I don’t want to be here anymore… No one will miss me… It will be over soon”
There are ways to cope with suicidal feelings, such as exercise, journaling, practicing soothing strategies (deep breathing), and distracting (listening to music or doing something creative) or by talking to someone you trust. It’s also important that you speak to a professional or trusted adult about how you are feeling, so that they can help you create a safety plan or refer you for some additional support- such as counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
There are many confidential helplines you or your child can use to speak to someone about their suicidal feelings. We have provided details below.
Resources
How to support a young person on crisis and self-harm: Crisis, Self-Harm and Suicide – CAMHS (hampshirecamhs.nhs.uk).
Scroll down to downloads at the bottom of the webpage to download and save the guide.
Websites
Childline – Online, on the phone, anytime
Papyrus UK Suicide Prevention | Prevention of Young Suicide (papyrus-uk.org)
YoungMinds: Parents Helpline | Mental Health Help for Your Child for parents with concerns for a child under 25
Apps
Contacts
Childline: 0800 1111
Lifeline: 0808 808 8000
Emergency services: 999
Shout Crisis Text Line: text the word ‘SHOUT’ or YM to 85258 (under 19s)
NHS 111/GP
Podcasts
- Follow the Northern Trust
