Support with suicidal thoughts

Shout's free and confidential text support service is there for moments when you are dealing with suicidal thoughts and need support to get to a calmer place.

If your life is at imminent risk, please call 999 immediately.

Support with suicidal thoughts

Having suicidal thoughts is quite common, in fact it is the main reason people contact our text helpline. There are times in everyone’s life where they might feel unable to cope with their problems. If, however, these thoughts are starting to become more regular, and you are actively starting to think about taking your own life, you need to get support immediately.

It’s important to remember that you are not alone, that there is support available to help you get through this.

Sometimes, it can be easier to text than to say the words out loud, which is where Shout can help. You can text our helpline anonymously, confidentially and for free to speak to a trained volunteer any time, day or night.

Tips for coping with suicidal thoughts:

• Remove anything you could use to harm yourself.
• Remember these are just thoughts and like all thoughts, they will pass.
• Avoid taking drugs or alcohol.
• Speak to someone you trust.
• Try to focus on the here and now, and the things you have to get through today rather than thinking about tomorrow and the day after that.

Getting the support you need

Reaching out for help is a courageous act. It is brave to tell someone that you are not feeling ok. If you are feeling like you want to die, it is important that you talk to someone you trust.

There are different people who can help:

Call emergency services: if yours or someone else’s life is at imminent risk, call 999 immediately.

Talk to a friend or family member: having someone you can confide in when you are feeling low can be a great support. They may not know how you have been feeling and will want to help, but might not know how to. Tell them how you feel and ask for the help you need.

Text Shout: you may feel as though you don’t want to talk to someone you know or in person right now, and that’s ok. If you would like free, confidential, anonymous support, you can text SHOUT to 85258 to speak to a volunteer. We are available 24/7.

How to support someone who is suicidal

Sometimes, if a person is feeling suicidal, there are things they might say that can act as a warning sign that they are considering taking their own life.

This might include things such as:

• I just want to make it stop
• I really just want to die
• I’ve had enough
• No one cares
• I wish I could go away somehow
• I don’t know what I’m supposed to do
• There’s nothing anyone can do
• I feel like giving up

You might be worried or scared that talking to someone about how they feel could make things worse. It’s important to remember that you cannot make a situation worse by talking to them about it. In fact, talking openly about suicide lowers anxiety, opens up communication and lowers the risk of harm.

Being there and listening, means you are providing them with a safe space to be heard.

As above, if someone’s life is at risk, please call the emergency services.

If you are worried about someone you know and would like support, you can text SHOUT to 85258 to speak to us.