View Basket : 0 items
Three young people sitting together. One boy in the middle is looking away and seems to be deep in thought. The other two boys either side of him are looking at each other and talking.

Suicidal thoughts and feelings

Feeling suicidal can be scary and lonely, but you don’t have to go through this alone. Our guide offers ways to cope, stay safe, and reach out for support. You matter, and there are people who want to help.

Patient Information Forum Trusted Information Creator (PIF TICK) logo

I need urgent help

Call 999 or go to A&E.

When you call 999, ask for an ambulance.

When the operator answers, you can say: “I’m feeling suicidal and  I might harm myself. I need help.”

They will ask for your location and may ask a few questions about what’s happening. Try to stay on the line and answer as best you can. The operator’s job is to help keep you safe and get you the support you need.

It’s okay to reach out for help. However you’re feeling, this is an emergency and you’re not wasting anyone’s time by calling.

Call NHS 111 or contact your GP and ask for an emergency appointment.

These helplines are here for you and open any time.

  • Samaritans

    Whatever you're going through, you can contact the Samaritans for support. N.B. This is a listening service and does not offer advice or intervention.

    Opening times:
    24/7
    Samaritans

  • Papyrus

    Offers confidential advice and support if you're struggling with suicidal thoughts, and information about how to make a safety plan.

    Its helpline service - HOPELINE247 - is available to anybody under the age of 35 experiencing suicidal thoughts, or for anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide.

    There is a chat service available on the website.

    Opening times:
    24/7 every day of the year
    Papyrus

  • Shout

    Text SHOUT to 85258.

    Shout provides free, 24/7 text support for young people across the UK experiencing a mental health crisis.

    All texts are answered by trained volunteers, with support from experienced clinical supervisors.

    Texts are free from EE, O2, Vodafone, 3, Virgin Mobile, BT Mobile, GiffGaff, Tesco Mobile and Telecom Plus.

    Texts can be anonymous, but if the volunteer believes you are at immediate risk of harm, they may share your details with people who can provide support.

    Opening times:
    24/7
    Shout
Get tips on coping with suicidal thoughts now

What are suicidal feelings?

Suicide means ending your own life on purpose. Suicidal thoughts and feelings are when you start thinking about that possibility. Some people call this “suicidal ideation.”

Thoughts and feelings like this can come slowly and build up over time, or happen suddenly, out of nowhere. They might feel really strong one moment and less intense the next. You might be experiencing suicidal thoughts for the first time, or they might be something you’ve struggled with before. If these feelings have come back after a difficult period, that doesn’t mean you’ve failed – many people experience suicidal thoughts in cycles, and support can still help.

It’s normal to have complicated reactions to these feelings. You might feel scared, upset, overwhelmed, strangely calm, or confused. Whatever your experience, it’s important to know this is not your fault and you are not alone. Many people have thoughts like this at some point in their life, and help is out there.

Whether you're struggling with this yourself, or you know someone who is, we have tips and advice that can help.

A young Black man sitting on the ground in the park and staring into the camera.
I started experiencing suicidal thoughts at a young age. I remember feeling very frightened about what was going on in my head; I really struggled to articulate how I was feeling. I didn’t really talk to anyone and things slowly bottled up.
Lucas, 19: I've got through suicidal feelings - so can you

What does feeling suicidal look like?

Everyone experiences feeling suicidal differently. For some people, these thoughts and feelings can come and go quickly. For others, they can feel like they’re always there. Here are some ways they can show up:

You might:

  • wonder what life would be like if you weren’t here
  • feel like others might be better off without you or that you are a burden to others
  • think about ways you could end your life
  • feel overwhelmed by hopelessness, sadness, or negative thoughts
  • feel like you’ve hit rock bottom and things won’t get better
  • feel calm or at peace with the idea of not being here anymore
  • feel like life is unbearable or that you don’t matter to anyone
  • experience constant or intrusive thoughts about ending your life
  • feel desperate, powerless, or out of control, like you have no other options
  • struggle with self-hatred, self-doubt, or low self-esteem
  • feel detached from your body or life, or like you’re just ‘going through the motions’
  • feel like you’ve tried everything to fix the problem but nothing works

You might notice that you’re:

  • not looking after yourself very well, including changes in your sleep, appetite, or overall hygiene
  • withdrawing from friends, family, or activities you usually enjoy
  • taking risks or behaving recklessly because you don’t care what happens
  • preparing for death in small ways, like giving away belongings or making a Will
  • talking, writing, or thinking about death, dying, or suicide
  • getting urges to self-har
  • using things like food, drugs and alcohol, smoking or vaping to cope with your feelings
  • making actual plans to end your life

If you’re experiencing any of these, it’s important to get help. There are lots of people and organisations you can contact who are there to support you.

What causes suicidal thoughts and feelings?

Suicidal thoughts can be triggered by a single event or a mix of experiences. Sometimes, there’s no obvious cause at all. Here are just some examples:

  • mental or physical health problems
  • stressful life situations – like school, exams, work, money, or housing problems
  • relationship difficulties – like break-ups, or conflict with family or friends
  • past or recent trauma or abuse – like discrimination, stigma, hate, or difficult childhood experiences
  • loneliness or social pressure – feeling isolated or like you don’t fit in
  • substance use – like using drugs or alcohol
  • grief or loss – including losing someone to suicide
  • not being able to get the mental health support you need
  • some medications, like antidepressants, antipsychotics, or sedatives

Even if you’re not sure why you feel suicidal, it doesn’t mean your feelings aren’t valid. Whatever your reason, support is available to help you through this.

Two people sat on a sofa talking seriously.
A person writing in a notebook.
I’m … grateful that I chose to keep on fighting. It was the best and bravest thing that I ever did for myself. I am here, I am living, and I’m happy that I am. Give yourself time – with patience and gentleness, you will get here too.
Louisa, 19: A letter to anyone feeling suicidal

What to do if you're feeling suicidal now

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself right now, call 999. You matter and there are people who can help.

It may seem like there’s no way out. But there are things you can do to get through this. Try these five steps:

Sharing how you feel can make a big difference. This could be a friend, family member, teacher, or faith leader. Even small steps, like sending a text or saying a few words, can make a difference.

If you don’t have someone you feel safe opening up to, you can always call a helpline. You don’t have to go through this alone and there are lots of people there to help.

  • Call Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7).
  • Call Papyrus HOPELINE247 on 0800 068 4141 or text 88247 (free, 24/7).

Focus on just getting through the current moment rather than thinking too far ahead. You don’t need to make a decision today or act on your thoughts right now. Just focus on getting through the day.

Remove anything you could use to harm yourself, or ask someone you trust to help keep it safe. If you’re somewhere unsafe, try to get to a place where you feel secure, like a friend’s house, a library, a religious centre, or any public space. If you’re on your own, call someone you trust or contact a helpline.

Try simple relaxation techniques to help you feel more in control:

  • Take slow, deep breaths.
  • Try a grounding exercise, like naming five things you can see, four you can hear, three you can touch, two you can smell, and one you can taste.
  • Do something you enjoy, like watching a film, listening to music, reading or drawing.

Try to challenge your negative thoughts and focus on small positives:

  • Write down things you’re looking forward to or are grateful for.
  • Remind yourself of your strengths or things others like about you.

If suicidal thoughts come back

For some people, suicidal thoughts aren’t a one-time experience. They might come and go during difficult periods, even if things had been feeling better for a while.

If you’re experiencing a relapse, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed or gone backwards. Recovery isn’t always a straight line, and many people learn ways to manage these thoughts over time.

It might help to:

  • return to coping strategies that have helped you before
  • look back at an old safety plan or update it
  • reach out to support services again, even if you’ve used them before
  • remind yourself that difficult periods can pass
Play Video: You matter You matter

Remember: you matter Here's a reminder that you are loved. 

Video transcript: Oh hi, here’s a reminder in case you don’t believe this. You matter, you are important, you’re loved and you living on this earth right now makes a difference, whether you see it or not. Every morning, remind yourself of this, okay?

30 second watch

Tips for coping with suicidal thoughts in the long-term

Finding ways to cope in the long-term is about discovering what helps you feel supported, safe and in control. It can take time, and you don’t have to figure it all out at once. Even starting with small steps can help.

If you’ve experience suicidal feelings before, you may already have things that help you cope. If you’re looking for ideas, some people find these strategies helpful:

A safety plan helps you think about what to do and what support you need when you’re in crisis.

It’s best to make one before things feel overwhelming. You can do this on your own or with someone you trust, like a friend, support worker, or therapist. If you don’t have someone you feel safe doing this with right now, you can still make a plan on your own or with a helpline. Support workers and helpline staff can talk it through with you.

Your plan should include your warning signs, things you can do to help yourself in a crisis, and the names and numbers of people you can contact.

There’s no set format for a crisis plan, but Papyrus  have an online template you can use that might help.

Download a safety plan template

Try to recognise things that make you feel better and things that make you feel worse. Perhaps you feel better when listening to music, going to a particular place, or doing a comforting activity. And maybe certain people, situations or places make you feel worse. 

It’s okay to feel these emotions instead of pushing them away, as long as you have coping strategies. When you’re feeling low, try doing one of the things you’ve noted down as helping you feel better.

A comfort box is a collection of items and memories that can help calm you when you’re feeling low. It might include photos, letters, notes to yourself, favourite books, poems, quotes, a cuddly toy, or something that smells nice. You can also make a digital version with playlists, videos, or apps that help you feel better. Next time you have suicidal feelings, look through your comfort box to make yourself feel better.

Being kind to yourself can help improve your self-esteem. Try writing down reminders of things you like about yourself, keeping notes of positive memories, or planning little activities that bring you joy. These small acts of care can help you feel more grounded and remind you that you matter. Any reminders that you note down could also go into your comfort box, so you have them when you’re feeling low.

Spending time with people and building a support network can help you feel more connected and valued. Try reaching out more to friends and family to get together. Or find a group or class you can join, in person or online. Volunteering can also be a good way to meet people, share activities you enjoy, and build connections.

Peer support groups let you connect with people who understand what you’re going through. You can share how you feel, hear other people’s experiences, or just be there without talking. Groups can be online or in person.

You can search for support groups in your area for lots of different mental health problems on the Rethink Mental Illness website or through Mind’s peer support directory.

Staying healthy and active can help you to feel more positive and able to manage your suicidal thoughts. Try to get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise as best you can. Avoid drinking alcohol or taking recreational drugs, as these can make suicidal thoughts worse.

Your identity, culture and beliefs

Your culture, identity, faith, or community can shape how you experience mental health and suicidal feelings. In some communities there can be stigma around talking about suicide, which might make it harder to reach out for help or speak openly about how you’re feeling.

For some people, religion or spirituality can be a source of comfort, strength, or hope during difficult times. Practices like prayer, meditation, or being part of a faith community might help you feel more grounded or supported.

At the same time, some beliefs or attitudes about suicide can make people feel ashamed or judged. Being told what you should believe or being pushed toward religion when you’re struggling may not feel helpful. What matters most is finding support that respects your beliefs and makes you feel safe.

If your culture, faith, or identity is important to you, you might choose to talk to someone who understands that part of your life - like a trusted community member, faith leader, or culturally aware support service. But if that doesn’t feel safe or supportive right now, it’s okay to look for help elsewhere. Whatever your beliefs or background, your feelings matter and you deserve support and compassion.

A young Black man standing outside a front door with a Black teenage boy wearing a hearing aid. They are talking together about something serious.
Leaning on a support network allowed me to work on things in a safe space. And once I started talking, it wasn’t as scary as I initially thought.
C.K., 21: How I cope with suicidal thoughts and feelings

Getting professional help and support

If you’re having suicidal thoughts or feelings, it’s a good idea to speak to your GP.  It can feel scary or awkward to talk about these thoughts, but GPs are used to supporting people with difficult feelings and can help you access the right kind of support.

The GP might refer you for talking therapy or to a specialist service like a community mental health team. In some cases, they might offer you medication.

In talking therapy sessions, you’ll speak with a trained professional about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. They’ll help you understand why you feel suicidal and support you with finding ways to cope.

Waiting lists for talking therapy on the NHS can be long. Some people choose to look for a private therapist instead, but this can be very expensive. If you’re able to afford it, when looking for a private therapist make sure that they’re fully qualified and registered with a body like BACP.

If you’re struggling while you wait for NHS therapy, contact a helpline. You can also search Hub of Hope for local mental health services.

Find out more about talking therapy

If your GP feels you need more specialist support, they might refer you to a community mental health team (CMHT). Your CMHT will be made up of different professionals – like psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and social workers – who work together to support you with your mental health. They can offer more intensive help than a GP alone, and may support you with things like therapy, medication, or practical help in your daily life.

While there isn’t a medication specifically for suicidal thoughts, they can be a symptom of many common mental health conditions, like depression, anxiety and psychosis. This means your GP may prescribe medication to help treat these conditions, which can also help reduce your suicidal thoughts. These medications might include antidepressants, antipsychotics or mood stabilisers.

In some cases, medication can be prescribed short-term to help manage your symptoms. For example, if you’re struggling to sleep and this is causing suicidal thoughts, or making them harder to cope with, you may be offered a sleep medication to help.

Some people find that medication makes them feel worse. If this happens, or if you experience suicidal feelings while taking medication, speak to your GP as soon as possible. You can also talk to a pharmacist or contact NHS 111 for advice.

Find out more about medication

Supporting someone with suicidal thoughts

When someone you care about is having suicidal thoughts, it can feel scary and overwhelming. You might worry about saying the wrong thing or not knowing how to help. But often, just being there and showing you care can make a real difference. Not everyone who has suicidal thoughts wants to talk about them, but it doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate you asking. It’s always good to check in with the person you’re worried about.

It’s not always obvious if someone is suicidal. Sometimes there are no warning signs at all. But changes in behaviour or the way they talk can give you some clues. They might:

  • seem withdrawn or stop doing things they used to enjoy
  • say they feel like a burden
  • start drinking or using drugs more
  • talk about death (even as a joke)
  • suddenly act very differently, like seeming upbeat after a long time of feeling low

Everyone is different, so it’s important not to blame yourself if you don’t notice the signs. But if you do spot changes that worry you, it’s always okay to reach out and ask if they’re okay.

If someone has hurt themselves or is about to and you think they’re in immediate danger, call 999 straight away. You can do this whether you’re with them in person or not – but you’ll need to be able to give their location.

While waiting for help, stay with them if you can – on the phone, online, or in person. Ask simple, grounding questions like “What are five things you can see around you?” or “Can you take a slow breath with me?”

If it’s safe, move them away from danger. It can help to take them into a new environment where they feel safe. If they have an object that they’re using to injure themselves, encourage them to put it down, but don’t take it off them as they may find this distressing. Always prioritise keeping yourself safe.

If you’re not with them, see if someone else can be there while you wait for help.

  • Ask directly about suicide: It might feel scary, but it’s okay to ask if someone is thinking about suicide. This won’t put the idea in their head – it can actually protect them. It gives them permission to be honest and shows you’re not afraid of what they’re going through.
  • Listen without judgment: If they open up, take them seriously. Try to listen with open questions rather than offering advice or opinions. Let them know they matter in your own words – for example, “You’re important to me” and “You deserve to feel better”. Avoid comments that could make them feel guilty, like “I’d be so upset if you died.”
  • Take them seriously: If someone talks about suicidal thoughts or tries to harm themselves, take it seriously. Avoid saying things that suggest they’re being dramatic, attention-seeking, or behaving badly. Comments that shame, punish, or blame them – like saying their feelings will hurt others – can make it harder for them to open up and get help. Instead, let them know you care and that their feelings matter.
  • Be there with them: Sometimes support means just being there. Even if it’s just sitting in silence, watching TV together, listening to music, or giving them a hug.  Little things like this can make a big difference when someone is struggling.
  • Offer practical help: Sometimes, the most supportive thing is simply taking care of everyday tasks together, so they don’t feel alone. You could get them a drink, sit with them while they call their GP, or help them reach out to a trusted friend or family member.
  • Make a safety plan together: If they’re ready to, you could sit down together and create a safety plan. This sets out steps they can take in a crisis, people they can reach out to, and ways to cope with suicidal feelings. You can both keep a copy, so you know how best to support them in the future.
  • Keep checking in: Agree on ways to stay in touch, like messaging, calling, or meeting up – whatever works for you both. If they go quiet, gently let them know you’re thinking of them and that they’re not a burden. Even if they don’t respond, your persistence shows you care.

If you notice someone struggling online – whether that’s a friend, someone you game with, or even a stranger in a forum – it can be hard to know what to do. Many of the same tips apply, but there are a few extra steps you can take.

If you can, send them a private message to check in and remind them there’s support available. You could encourage them to reach out to someone they trust in-person, or share services like Samaritans or Papyrus.

If they post something worrying, you can report it to the platform so moderators can step in and offer support.

If someone tells you they’ve already harmed themselves or are in immediate danger, and you know who and where they are, call 999 to get help to them quickly.

Supporting someone who is suicidal can be emotionally tough, and it’s important to look after your own wellbeing too. Remember that you don’t have to do this alone – sharing the responsibility with friends, family, or professionals can make things feel more manageable.

It’s okay to be honest about what you can manage and to step back if you need to. If you need someone to talk to, you can always contact a helpline yourself.

Get more advice on supporting a friend with their mental health

Losing someone to suicide can be overwhelming and leave you with intense, complicated emotions. You might feel guilt, shame, anger or regret, and it’s common to wonder if there was more you could have done. But know that neither you nor the person who died are to blame. Suicide is complex, and it’s rarely caused by one thing.

In these difficult times, connecting with others who understand your experience might help you to feel less alone. Samaritans run free online peer support groups for people bereaved by suicide. These groups offer a safe space to share your feelings, listen to others, and find support from people who truly understand.

We also have support and advice in our guide.

Guide to grief and loss

Get help now

  • Samaritans

    Whatever you're going through, you can contact the Samaritans for support. N.B. This is a listening service and does not offer advice or intervention.

    Opening times:
    24/7
    Samaritans

  • Papyrus

    Offers confidential advice and support if you're struggling with suicidal thoughts, and information about how to make a safety plan.

    Its helpline service - HOPELINE247 - is available to anybody under the age of 35 experiencing suicidal thoughts, or for anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide.

    There is a chat service available on the website.

    Opening times:
    24/7 every day of the year
    Papyrus

  • National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK

    Offers a supportive listening service to anyone with thoughts of suicide.

    Opening times:
    6pm-midnight, daily
    National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK

  • CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)

    Provides support to anyone aged 16+ who is feeling down and needs to talk or find information.

    Free webchat service available.

    Read information about the helpline and how it works.

    Opening times:
    5pm - midnight, 365 days a year
    CALM

  • Childline

    If you’re under 19 you can confidentially call, chat online or email about any problem big or small.

    Sign up for a free Childline locker (real name or email address not needed) to use their free 1-2-1 counsellor chat and email support service.

    Can provide a BSL interpreter if you are deaf or hearing-impaired.

    Hosts online message boards where you can share your experiences, have fun and get support from other young people in similar situations.

    Opening times:
    24/7
    Childline

  • NHS 111

    To get urgent mental health advice from the NHS, call 111 and select the mental health option. 111 will tell you where you can get help. They may also be able to put you through to a trained mental health professional over the phone.

    111 can support anyone who is feeling unsafe, distressed or worried about their mental health. They can also give information and advice about what to do if you're worried about someone else.

    If you would rather get help online, you can use 111 online.

    Opening times:
    24/7
    111
    NHS 111

  • Muslim Youth Helpline

    Provides faith and culturally sensitive support for young Muslims. 

    Online chat service available during opening hours.

    Opening times:
    4pm - 10pm, 365 days a year
    Muslim Youth Helpline

  • Black Minds Matter

    Connects Black individuals and families with free professional mental health services across the UK.

    You can get in touch here.

    Black Minds Matter

  • Jami

    Offers tailored support services and online counselling for children and young people aged 11-25 whose lives have been impacted by mental illness in the Jewish community.

    View their weekly peer support groups that take place in London and online.

    Explore their free support services for children and young people. 

     

    Jami

More information and advice

Patient Information Forum Trusted Information Creator (PIF TICK) logo

This page was reviewed in March 2026.

It was co-created with young people with experience of suicidal thoughts and feelings.

We will next review the page in 2029.

YoungMinds is a proud member of PIF TICK – the UK's quality mark for trusted health information.

Whether you love the page or think something is missing, we appreciate your feedback. It all helps us to support more young people with their mental health.

Please be aware that this form isn’t a mental health support service. If you are in crisis right now and want to talk to someone urgently, find out who to contact on our urgent help page.

All fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required to submit this form.
Please copy and paste the page link here.
Please do not include personal details. This is not a mental health support service and you will not receive a reply.

Please note:

This form is not a mental health support service. We cannot reply to this. If you are at risk of immediate harm, call 999 and ask for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E. If you are worried about your mental health, call: Childline (for under 19s) on 0800 11 11; or Samaritans on 116 123.

At YoungMinds we take your privacy seriously. If you’d like to read more about how we keep the information we collect safe, take a look at our privacy policy.

opens in new window