Suicide Advice & Support
Each life lost to suicide is a tragedy
Every suicide is a profound tragedy that deeply affects not only the individual but also their loved ones and the wider community. It’s crucial that we work together to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, raise awareness, and promote prevention services. By doing so, we can help save lives and provide hope to those who are struggling.
Around the world, hundreds of thousands of people take their own lives each year. Even in cultures where suicide is viewed as taboo or illegal, individuals find themselves in overwhelming despair. It's important to recognise that for every person who tragically loses their life, there are countless others who have faced similar feelings but found the support they needed to cope and continue their journey.
For many who feel suicidal, it may seem as though there is no way out of their pain. In those moments, despair can cloud their thoughts, and the weight of their feelings can be incredibly heavy. We must approach this topic with compassion, understanding that these emotions are real, intense, and immediate. There are no easy answers, but together, we can help create a safer and more supportive environment for those in need.
It is important to remember that:
- Suicide is often a permanent solution to a temporary problem
- When we feel depressed, we often view things through a narrow lens of the present moment. However, a week or a month later, our perspective may change completely.t
- A lot of people who once thought about ending their lives now find joy in being alive. They often share that it wasn't really about wanting to go away; it was more about wanting the pain to stop.
Suicide occurs when a person intentionally harms themselves with the aim of ending their own life, often as a response to feeling overwhelmed by their circumstances. This tragic act is typically driven by intense emotions or difficult situations such as loneliness, worthlessness, hopelessness, or depression. Perhaps the most heartbreaking aspect is that it is preventable. Each year, thousands of people in the UK die by suicide.
It is important to understand that suicide is not a selfish act; rather, it often feels like the only option for those who are struggling. It is seen as a last resort.
No matter how insurmountable life may seem, with the right help at the right time, people can overcome their challenges. Suicide is a permanent decision, and there is no turning back.
What is a suicide attempt?
A suicide attempt is when people harm themselves with the goal of ending their life, but they do not die. This can be a genuine attempt to end their life or a desperate cry for help from someone who no longer cares if it results in their death.
What does it feel like to be suicidal?
Different people experience suicidal feelings in unique ways. You might feel overwhelmed by difficult emotions, and it may not necessarily be that you want to die; rather, you might feel like you can’t continue living the life you have.
It's common to feel confused about why you’re experiencing these feelings. You are the best judge of what you have endured, what you are currently facing, and how dark things can seem for you. Suicidal thoughts and feelings can be complex, frightening, confusing, and can make you feel very alone.
How you might think or feel:
- Hopeless, like there's no point in living
- Tearful and overwhelmed by negative thoughts
- Unbearable pain that you and feeling like things will never get better for you
- Like you don't want to exist
- Feeling useless, a failure, feeling shame for not achieving what you think you should or for being weak and unable to cope
- Feeling like a burden or unwanted by those around you
- Like you don't want to die, but living is too difficult
- Desperate, as if you have no other choice
- Like you can't think of anything else, and suicide is always on your mind
- Powerless, like you can't do anything to stop it
- Self-hatred, feeling worthless, and low self-esteem
- Like no one needs you or that everyone would be better off without you
- Cut off from your body or physically numb
- Feeling like nobody cares and that you’ll show them what they have done to you
You may be having thoughts about ending your life or contemplating suicide. These thoughts can range from fleeting to serious. Some people refer to this as "suicidal feelings" or "suicidal ideation."
When in pain, you might not want to be judged or assessed. Hearing someone say they understand may not help, as true understanding is difficult without shared experience. You might simply want someone to listen, or you may prefer to keep your feelings private to avoid upsetting others.
If you’re feeling suicidal, these emotions can be overwhelming. Some find comfort in these thoughts, which can be confusing. These feelings can arise once in a specific situation or persist for years, and having such thoughts doesn’t mean you will act on them.
If you’re unsure of the cause of your feelings, that can be frightening, but help is available. You might feel hopeless, believing that no one cares about you or that life isn’t worth living.
Thinking about suicide often expresses a desire to escape pain rather than a wish to die. These feelings can feel consuming, but with support, it’s possible to get through them. There is always hope, even when it feels lost.
It’s important to remember that these intense thoughts will pass. And no matter what thoughts of suicide may be like for you, there is always help available, and you don’t have to experience them alone. Things can improve, and you can discover your motivation to keep going as well as your reasons for living.
Is thinking about suicide normal?
You might be surprised to learn that having thoughts of suicide is actually quite common and normal. However, it’s essential to remember that the vast majority of people who experience these thoughts do not go on to take their own lives. Anyone can have thoughts of suicide, and each individual experiences these feelings differently; what might make suicide seem like an option for one person may be perceived very differently by someone else, and that's completely okay.
Estimates suggest that up to 1 in 20 people may be thinking about suicide at any given time. This means you are not alone—there are thousands of others experiencing similar struggles and a wide range of emotions, just like you.
We understand that everyone's journey with suicidal thoughts or feelings is deeply personal and influenced by the unique circumstances they face. It’s important to recognise that you are not alone in this experience. Many people experience a range of urges or symptoms, and it’s okay to acknowledge those feelings. Your struggle matters and reaching out for support can be a crucial step.
You may experience:
- Insufficient sleep, whether sleeping excessively or not enough
- Changes in appetite or sudden fluctuations in weight
- A lack of interest in self-care, such as not bathing or eating as you usually do
- Desiring to avoid others and isolate yourself
- Not being able to focus on or enjoy things you normally like
- Reckless or risky behaviour because you don't care what happens to you
- Creating a will or donating possessions
- Having difficulty communicating
- Talking or writing about death and wanting to die
- Impulses to engage in self-harm or to use recreational drugs and alcohol
Thoughts of suicide can affect anyone and arise for various reasons. People may feel suicidal when faced with overwhelming situations that they find difficult to cope with. These thoughts can develop gradually or appear suddenly. Their intensity can vary over time, often influenced by changing moods or life events. Some individuals may experience these thoughts briefly, while others might feel as if they are always present. It is common for a combination of factors to contribute to feelings of wanting to end one's life.
Regardless of the cause, suicidal thoughts can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, with individuals believing that others would be better off without them. In such moments, suicide may seem like the only escape. Certain 'risk factors' can also increase the likelihood of someone contemplating suicide.
The main risk factors for suicide are:
- A history of suicide attempts – Those who have attempted suicide before are more likely to do so again.
- Having a mental health condition such as depression - Having suicidal thoughts does not necessarily indicate a mental illness, but there is a connection between mental health issues and suicidal ideation. Individuals struggling with mental health disorders are significantly more likely to consider suicide as a solution.
- Past trauma - Experiencing a traumatic childhood, including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, can lead to significant emotional challenges that can be difficult to overcome. This abuse often affects a person's ability to trust, be vulnerable, and form healthy connections with others. As a result, those who have experienced such trauma may be less likely to seek the help they need.
- Having a physical health condition, especially if this causes chronic pain or serious disability – Sometimes, the thought of living with the pain caused by a serious health condition can lead to feelings of hopelessness and a desire to escape the pain by any means necessary..
- Family history of a mental disorder or substance use –Having a family history of these conditions may indicate a genetic predisposition or increased likelihood of developing these issues due to exposure to risk factors.
- Presence of guns or other firearms in the home
- Experiences of prison or jail
- Exposure, either directly or indirectly, to others’ suicidal behaviour, such as that of family members, peers, or celebrities
- Acute emotional distress or a life changing event - Such as a relationship ending, a loved one dying, problems with work or money, like redundancy, being unable to find a job or becoming homeless.
- Addiction or misuse of drugs or alcohol – Alcohol can initially make you feel relaxed and happy, but it often leads to feeling worse afterward, especially if you were already feeling down. Drugs also alter your thoughts, feelings, and behaviour, which can have serious negative effects, particularly if you're experiencing suicidal thoughts. Substance abuse reduces awareness of negative emotions and impairs healthy coping skills for stress. Both alcohol and drugs increase impulsivity, making it more likely for you to act on your thoughts.
- Living alone, being isolated or having little social contact with other people
- Self-harming - Self-harm involves intentionally hurting oneself and is often linked to mental distress. People who self-harm typically do not want to end their lives; they use it as a coping mechanism. However, those who engage in self-harm are at increased risk of suicide and may develop more permanent thoughts of ending their pain.
- Being unable to access support – Whether mental, physical or social a lack of support can lead to increased feelings of loneliness and desperation caused by feeling like you have nowhere to turn.
- Being between the ages of 15 and 24 years – Academic and social pressures, along with bullying and family issues, seem to be more prevalent at this age. Additionally, if things feel desperate and like they will never get better, the path ahead can seem too long to cope with.
- Being over age 60 – Grief can arise as more loved ones pass away, or as a result of the long-term effects of poor health that often accompany aging. Retirees who lack strong family or social connections are at a higher risk of becoming socially isolated and lonely.
- Being male between the ages of 45 and 54 years – Men face a higher risk of suicide compared to women, particularly between the ages of 45 and 54. Outdated social expectations of masculinity often dictate that men should be strong, which makes them less likely to acknowledge their problems or seek help when needed. While women are more inclined to contemplate suicide, men are more likely to take lethal actions.
- Being transgender or non-binary – Social persecution, bullying, and discrimination can have significant detrimental effects. This is especially prevalent among younger individuals who are unsure of themselves and are still figuring out their gender identity.
These examples highlight common causes of suicidal thoughts, but there are many other factors that could contribute to such feelings. If you've had an experience that isn't mentioned here, it doesn't mean it isn't affecting you.
The more risk factors a person has, the more likely they are to experience suicidal thoughts. Individuals of all ages, genders, and ethnicities can be at risk for suicide.
It's important to note that while many people with risk factors for suicide will not attempt it, it can be difficult to predict who may act on suicidal thoughts. Although these risk factors are crucial to understand, anyone showing warning signs of suicide may be at a higher risk and should receive immediate attention. People are more likely to take their own life if they have access to the means to do so.
Understanding the potential risk factors associated with suicidal thoughts, as well as how to prevent them, may help save a life—whether that life belongs to someone else or to yourself.
How long will I feel suicidal?
The duration of suicidal thoughts varies from person to person. Some individuals may experience these thoughts briefly, often tied to a temporary distressing situation, while others might struggle with them for a longer period due to a chronic mental health condition or other factors. It's common to feel as though happiness or hope will never return.
Suicidal thoughts can come and go throughout life, and they may be triggered by different events or can vary in intensity at different times. However, treatment and support can help you manage or overcome these thoughts.
Can medication cause suicidal thoughts?
Certain medications can lead some individuals to experience suicidal thoughts. Sometimes, these medications may have side effects that cause feelings of depression, which can intensify thoughts of suicide. It's also important to check whether your medication will work effectively if you consume alcohol or use drugs simultaneously.
Some studies suggest there may be a connection between taking or withdrawing from certain medications and experiencing suicidal thoughts. This can include medications such as antidepressants and benzodiazepines.
However, some people believe that the overall benefits of these medications outweigh the risks associated with suicidal thoughts.
These medications include:
- Antidepressants
- Benzodiazepines
- Some antipsychotics
- Some medications for other conditions and physical health problems.
You can refer to the patient information leaflet that accompanies your medication to check for any side effects that may affect your mood.
If you experience suicidal thoughts while taking medication or withdrawing from medication, you should talk to your GP or other clinician as soon as possible for advice. You can also talk to a pharmacist or NHS 111.
Your health and well-being are our foremost priority. If you are experiencing difficulties or having thoughts of suicide, please know that you are not alone. We are here to offer you support and guidance, and we are committed to doing everything possible to help you find a path toward recovery. Your feelings are important, and reaching out for help is a courageous step. Together, we can work toward improving your situation and enhancing your overall quality of life.
For a range of support and advice to help you cope with suicidal thoughts or intention please take a look at the following area of our website.
Understanding that a loved one may be contemplating suicide can evoke deep feelings of heartache and helplessness. The journey of supporting someone through their suicidal thoughts and guiding them toward a healthier state of mental well-being is a complex and often distressing challenge. It requires not only compassion but also a clear understanding of effective strategies to provide the necessary support.
We appreciate the emotional toll this situation can take on you as a caregiver. It is essential to approach this delicate matter with sensitivity, patience, and informed guidance. We aim to empower you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate this difficult path, not just for the sake of your loved one, but for your own well-being as well.
Please follow the link below to access a comprehensive collection of advice, resources, and support networks tailored to help you care for your loved one while ensuring that you also prioritize your mental health. Your well-being is crucial, and we are here to provide the support you need.
Grieving and dealing with the changes that follow any death is never easy. However, those who are bereaved by suicide often feel particularly isolated at a time when they are in severe emotional pain. Indeed, when someone you know takes their own life it can leave you feeling so low that you may be vulnerable to thoughts of suicide yourself.
If that is your experience, it is nothing to be ashamed of and you are not alone. You may want to talk through these thoughts and feelings with someone you trust – a friend, someone in your family, perhaps with your GP or a trained volunteer from organisations specialising in bereavement support.
See below for a selection of resources that can help you.