Sometimes we can hit a crisis point, where we cannot imagine how we can carry on. It is hard to define what a crisis is, as it can be very different for each person.
However, it is often the point at which we can be overwhelmed, or struggle to contain our feelings; or perhaps we might experience new and distressing symptoms, such as hearing voices. It is not uncommon at a crisis point to feel that we might harm ourselves to cope, or that we are contemplating ending our life.
If you feel suicidal NOW, there are things you can do to access help. Most people who feel suicidal and access help are grateful they were able to talk to someone and not act on their thoughts.
Talk to a friend, a partner, a counsellor, or your GP, for example, and tell them clearly that you are at risk to yourself. People who are there to help you will not judge you or think you weak; rather, they will talk with you about the right sort of support you need to help you through the crisis period.
When to Act
It is important to talk to someone you trust, or seek help from a GP or a counsellor, if you have any suicidal feelings at any point. Getting the right support early can play an important part in preventing things from becoming worse.
However, it is important to act immediately if:
- You feel that your suicidal thoughts are immediate and/or beyond your control
- Your thoughts about suicide might inadvertently put others at risk
- You have already done something that might put your life at risk, e.g., overdosed
Call 999 and ask for immediate help, telling the emergency operator your name, date of birth, address, any actions you have already taken, and about your feelings of suicide. If you can safely get to an Accident and Emergency Department yourself, do so immediately.
You can also ring someone if you need to talk to someone now, or while you wait for help to arrive. Helplines can include:
Samaritans – for everyone
Telephone: 116 123 (free line)
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Information: If you’re having a difficult time or if you’re worried about someone else
Papyrus HOPELine – for people under 35
Telephone: 0800 068 41 41 (free line, 9am to midnight every day)
Text: 07860 039 967
Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Information: Trained advisers will help you focus on staying safe from suicide. They will provide advice and support that may help you to forward and stay alive.
Shout – for everyone
Text: SHOUT to 85258 (free to all major mobile networks)
Information: 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis at any time, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help. Every texter is connected with a real-life human being trained to bring people from a hot moment to a cool calm place through active listening and collaborative problem-solving.
The Mix – for people under 25
Telephone: 0808 808 4994
Text: THEMIX to 85258
Webchat: Speak to Our Team – The Mix (3pm to midnight)
Visit: www.themix.org.uk
Information: Support and advice for under 25s, including a helpline, crisis messenger service and webchat.
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
Telephone: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm to midnight)
Webchat: www.thecalmzone.net/help/webchat
Information: Accredited confidential, anonymous and free support, information and signposting to men anywhere in the UK through the webchat service. Chats are taken by trained staff who are there to listen, support, inform and signpost.
