Suicidal Feelings

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Having suicidal thoughts?

If you feel like you want to die, or if someone you know tells you they want to die, it is really important to talk about these feelings as soon as possible. Many people experience suicidal thoughts at some time in their lives. You don’t need to experience these difficult feelings on your own. There is always someone at the end of a phone, text or email who is trained and ready to listen to you – at any time of day or night.

If these thoughts become more extreme and frequent, it is VERY important to seek help and advice as soon as possible.

Please contact one of the free specialist confidential services (listed below). They are available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. They offer a safe space for you to talk to. They listen. They won’t judge you.

If you have already taken steps to end your life, or are concerned about someone in immediate danger, call 999 or get yourself/them to A&E immediately.

What to do if you are having suicidal thoughts

• If you feel you want to die, it is important to speak to someone about these feelings. There are free confidential helplines and services available right now, with trained staff ready to listen. Please pick up the phone, send a text or email.
• Samaritans offer a free 24/7 listening service – by phone or email – for anyone of any age.
• HOPELINE247 offers a 24/7 listening service – by phone, text or email – for people aged under 35 or for those concerned about a young person thinking about suicide.
• SHOUT 85258 is a free, confidential, anonymous text support service available 24/7 for anyone of any age. You can text them from wherever you are in the UK.
• Or speak to someone you know and trust. Please don’t struggle with difficult feelings on your own.
• If you have a safety plan then follow your own advice.
• If you don’t have a safety plan and struggle with suicidal feelings, you may find it helpful to write one. A safety plan helps you identify what keeps you safe. The Staying Safe website provides information on how to do this.
• For more information on how to keep yourself safe if you are experiencing suicidal feelings, see our list of reputable websites and free apps below.
• Remember, you don’t need to experiences these feelings alone. Talk to someone you trust or contact one of the helplines and services below.
• If you or someone you know need urgent help – go to our Urgent Help page immediately.

How to talk to someone who is or may be experiencing suicidal thoughts

• If someone has told you they are having suicidal thoughts, or if you suspect someone is suicidal, it is important that they speak to someone about their feelings.
• Don’t worry that by asking them how they feel, or by asking them if they are feeling suicidal, that this will make things worse.
• Just listening to what they say and taking this seriously can really help.
• Be compassionate. Don’t be judgemental and don’t talk about your own experiences.
• Don’t feel you have to fill the silences. Just listen. In short: ‘ask, listen and show you care’.
• Let them know it is important to speak to someone they know and trust, if they feel able.
• Tell them they don’t need to struggle with their feelings on their own. Provide them with details of free confidential specialist helplines and services available 24/7.
• Let them know they can pick up the phone, send a text or email at any time of the day or night. Trained staff will be waiting to speak to them, without judgement, no matter how difficult the conversation might be.
• Let them know that there are free apps and reputable websites with information and advice for people who experience suicidal feelings. Tell them that these resources are available on our Melo website.
• If you want more advice on how to start this conversation then visit the Samaritans and PAPYRUS websites, which both contain excellent advice.
• If you want to learn how to spot the warning signs for suicide and how you can help to save lives, see our list of free courses below.

If you have been affected by the death of someone by suicide

• There is free support available for people living in the ABUHB area for anyone affected by a death of someone by suicide, no matter when that death occurred.

• Help is at Hand Cymru is a free resource for people bereaved through suicide or other unexplained death, and those helping them.

Free course for Frontline Staff

If you are a professional and want to find out training opportunities visit professional courses.