If you're feeling like you want to die, it is important to tell someone.
Help and support is available right now if you need it. You do not have to struggle with difficult feelings alone.
Phone a helpline
These free helplines are there to help when you are feeling down or desperate.
Unless it says otherwise, they're open 24 hours a day, every day.
You can also call these helplines for advice if you're worried about someone else.
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
Call 0800 58 58 58 – 5pm to midnight every day
Visit the webchat page
Papyrus – prevention of young suicide HOPELINE247
Call 0800 068 41 41
Text 07860 039967
Email pat@papyrus-uk.org
Message a text line
If you do not want to talk to someone over the phone, these text lines are open 24 hours a day, every day.
Shout Crisis Text Line – for everyone
Text "SHOUT" to 85258
Talk to someone you trust
Let family or friends know what's going on for you. They might be able to offer support and help keep you safe.
There is no right or wrong way to talk about suicidal feelings – starting the conversation is what's important.
Who else you can talk to
If you find it difficult to talk to someone you know, you could:
- call a GP – ask for an emergency appointment
- call 111 out of hours – they will help you find the support and help you need
- contact your mental health crisis team – if you have one
Important
Is your life in danger?
If you have seriously harmed yourself – for example, by taking a drug overdose – or you feel that you may be about to harm yourself, call 999 and ask for an ambulance, or go straight to your nearest A&E.
Or ask someone else to call 999 or take you to A&E.
Tips for coping right now
- try not to think about the future – focus on the Here and Now and getting through today
- stay away from drugs and alcohol
- get yourself to a safe place, like a friend's house
- be around other people
- do something you usually enjoy, such as spending time with a pet or watching a film
Worried about someone else?
If you're worried about someone, try to get them to talk to you. Ask open-ended questions like: "How do you feel about...?"
Do not worry about having the answers. Just listening to what soneone has to say and taking it seriously can be more helpful.
See Samaritans' tips on how to support someone you're worried about
Read Rethink's advice on how to support someone who is having suicidal thoughts
Making a safety plan
If you struggle with suicidal thoughts or are supporting someone else, it may help to make a safety plan to use if you need it:
- the Staying Safe websiteprovides information on how to make a safety plan, including video tutorials and online templates to guide you through the process
- you can also get information on planning for a mental health crisis from mental health charity Mind