Suicide 

Introduction 

Suicide: Jude's story

Jude tried to kill himself by jumping off a cliff. Find out why he did it and how he found the help and the will to continue to live. Note: the Samaritans operate a helpline 08457 90 90 90 where you can talk to someone at any time.

Self-harm

Many people who self-harm do not want to kill themselves. Self-harming can be a kind of "survival strategy", providing a person with a way of coping with overwhelming emotions.

However, self-harming is usually a sign that a person needs immediate help and support.

Read about self-harm for more information and advice.

Suicide is the act of intentionally ending your life.

If you are reading this because you have, or have had, thoughts about taking your own life, it's important you ask someone for help. It's probably difficult for you to see at this time, but you're not alone and not beyond help.  

Many people who have had suicidal thoughts say they were so overwhelmed by negative feelings they felt they had no other option. However, with support and treatment they were able to allow the negative feelings to pass.

Getting help

If you are feeling suicidal, there are people who want to help you:

  • speak to a friend, family member or someone you trust as they may be able to help you to calm down and find some breathing space
  • call the Samaritans 24hr support service on 08457 90 90 90
  • go to, or call, your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department and tell the staff how you are feeling
  • contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647
  • make an urgent appointment to see your GP

Read more about getting help if you're feeling suicidal.

Worried someone else is suicidal

If you are worried that someone you know may be considering suicide, try to encourage them to talk about how they are feeling. Listening is the best way to help. Try to avoid offering solutions and try not to judge. 

If they have previously been diagnosed with a mental health condition, such as depression, you can speak to a member of their care team for help and advice.

Read more about suicide warning signs and how you can help someone with suicidal thoughts.

Why do some people take their own life?

There is no single reason why someone may try to take their own life, but certain things can increase the risk. A person may be more likely to have suicidal thoughts if they have a mental health condition, such as depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Misusing alcohol or drugs and having poor job security can also make a person more vulnerable.

It is not always possible to prevent suicidal thoughts, but keeping your mind healthy with regular exercise, healthy eating and maintaining friendships can help you cope better with stressful or upsetting situations.

Read more about the causes of suicide and preventing suicide.

Last reviewed: 15/11/2012

Next review due: 15/11/2014

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Comments are personal views. Any information they give has not been checked and may not be accurate.

caela said on 13 May 2013

@derpinda You are so right. Some of the help on here is so impractical. It sounds logical, but in practice fails. If I ever feel really low, it's usually at night when I'm alone and there is no-one to talk to. The only option I have is to call the Samaritans, a charity who should not have to pick up the slack of the NHS on an 0845 number which I can't call from my mobile. Or I could go into A&E and sit in a waiting room for hours before chatting to someone who will either stare at me like I'm wasting their time or ask questions I won't want to answer. I don't think people understand the fear any person has going to hospital, let alone explaining there's nothing physically wrong with you but you're having a nervous breakdown. It takes more than most people have to be able to do that, especially when they don't know what to expect.

As for speaking to friends- who is going to call their friend at 4am and say 'hey I know you're sleeping but I'm a crazy person and I wanna cut myself to shreds so how about you come down here and pick up the pieces?' Like no-one is going to do that especially in a fragile state when they can't even verbalise their feelings.

I've told my GP I'm suicidal so many times. I've asked and asked and asked for help. I've seen different dr's at different clinics. I've tried therapy and people know I'm depressed. Even if people don't think that someone is at serious risk, they must appreciate that they are suffering. Even if you don't kill yourself or try to, it's not nice wanting to do it and thinking about it all the time. The only NHS treatments I have been offered so far is medication and a gym referral. These are complimentary therapies and more should be done. It's disgraceful how I've been treated by the NHS with regards to my mental health problems and then most advice is set out to make you feel guilty and responsible for not getting help when there simply isn't the help there to get. Sort it out!

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derpinda said on 06 May 2013

It's always 'there are plenty of people to talk to, you don't need to suffer alone' etc etc

I went to the doctor, which took a lot of courage, and told everything, in all it's embarrassing detail, and his help was giving me a leaflet with a number to phone, so I could TALK to more people' nice one!!

If I broke my leg I could go in and get it fixed without having to say much, I need this solution for my mental instability.

What drugs are available to just numb my mind?

I'm sure some people who have come to this web page for the same reason as me, could relate to the fact I would never want to subject my mum to me killing myself, but the way things are going it seems inevitable.

I don't get comfort from talking to people who pretend to care, as it's their job. I don't get comfort from the possibility of admitting to friends and family that I am constantly in a state of rage or peace, separated by the hours of the day.

There must be help for people who don't want to talk, just want a solution.
If criminals can get help and support, I shouldn't feel bad for at least asking, but I do. You almost feel like 'get over yourself', but it's not something I can control any more, once I'm in that mood, I'm in it, and I feel dangerously close to giving up.

What do I need to ask for, or do, to get some kind of medication, no more talking, just solutions?

Cheers

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Useful links

NHS Choices links

External links

Moodzone

Feeling stressed, anxious or depressed? NHS Choices Moodzone can help you on your way to feeling better

Bereavement after suicide

Tips to help you cope practically and emotionally when grieving for someone who has committed suicide.

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