Having suicidal feelings

Feelings of suicide are different for everyone. Your feelings might change or build over time or even change rapidly from one moment to the next. It is common to not understand why you feel the way that you do. A person experiencing suicidal thoughts might think or feel:

●    Hopeless, as if there is no point in living

●    Overwhelmed by negative thoughts

●    Tearful and down

●    Be in unbearable physical or emotional pain

●    Worthless, like you are not wanted or needed by anyone

●    Desperate

●    Like everyone would be better off without you

●    Intrigued by death

Suicidal thoughts are not always thoughts about wanting to die, but can sometimes be feelings that you cannot go on living the life that you have. These feelings can lead to different experiences including:

●    No desire to look after yourself

●    Poor sleep

●    A change in appetite, leading to weight loss or gain

●    Trying to avoid others

●    Preparing for death - making a will or giving away possessions

●    Difficulty communicating

●    Urges to self-harm (See self-harm)

Many people who experience suicidal feelings, feel like they will never be happy or hopeful again. How long the feelings last is different for everyone and based on many different factors within their lives.

With the right treatment, support and self-care, it is true that the majority of people who have felt suicidal will go on to live fulfilling lives.

It is important to note that the earlier you let someone know how you are feeling, the quicker you will be given the right support, as well as the tools and processes to overcome your feelings.

It can be difficult to express or open up about suicidal feelings. If you cannot talk to a friend or family member, there are some support services you can access 24/7. You can call the Samaritans on 116 123, ChildLine (for under 18) on 0800 1111. You can also call the local Mental Health Helpline on 0800 001 433. Alternatively, you can schedule a telephone assessment by clicking here.

No matter what, remember that you deserve help and support.

●    Don’t look too far ahead, take each minute as it comes. You could try making a plan, calming exercises, starting an activity, website apps, a game or puzzle.

●    It is important that you remove items that could be used to harm yourself or ask someone else to remove them for you. If you are in a dangerous location try and move somewhere safer.

●    If you have experienced suicidal feelings before, you might have a safety plan or crisis plan. If you do refer back to this.

●    If you feel comfortable to do so, tell someone how you are feeling. If you cannot speak to a friend or family member, call the Samaritans on 116 123. Speaking with someone about how you feel can help you to feel more in control and less alone.

●    Use distraction techniques. These could include taking a cold shower, holding an ice cube and focusing on the sensations, tearing something up.

●    Look after your needs. Try and look after your body's essential needs, eat some food if you are hungry, have a glass of water or make yourself comfortable. You could also write down how you are feeling.

●    Step outside, feeling the sun, rain or wind on your skin - this can help you to feel more connected to your body.

●    Find reasons to live. You could write down things you are looking forward to, make plans to do something you enjoy, think about people you love.

●    Be kind to yourself, take a bath, wrap yourself in a blanket and watch your favourite film. Take care of you.

Try not to focus on the negative thoughts and feelings and instead repeat to yourself that you can get through this.

Experiencing feelings that you believe will never end can be hard to overcome. But it is important to remember that they can stop. As with all feelings, they will pass. Whether you have self-help plans in place or you find support through counselling, your feelings can change.

If you feel that you cannot keep yourself safe, please call 116 123 or 999.

There are steps that you can take to help prevent yourself from acting upon any suicidal thoughts that you are experiencing. Every individual is different, so it is important to understand that what works for one might not work for another. Find the way that works for you - a counsellor can help you with this.