What should I do if I feel suicidal?

Find strategies and support for coping with suicidal feelings at any time, and learn how to start conversations about mental health with trusted individuals.

About this article...

  • Suitable for members aged 12-17
  • 5 minute read
  • 918 words (2.3 sides of A4)
  • Providing help and guidance on Mental Health
  • Created and reviewed by our team of experts

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If you're feeling suicidal, it means you're going through a really tough time and might be feeling a lot of pain or despair. It's important to know that these feelings can be overwhelming, but there is help available, and you're not alone in this.

Understanding Your Feelings

Feeling suicidal can come from feeling hopeless, unbearable emotional pain, or feeling like there's no other way to deal with your problems. Sometimes these feelings can be triggered by events like problems at school, issues with friends, family conflicts, or other personal losses. It's okay to feel this way, and it's good that you're seeking help by looking for information.

Seeking Immediate Help

If you feel like you are in immediate danger of harming yourself, this is a medical emergency. You should tell an adult you trust right away, like a family member, teacher, or neighbour, or call an emergency service like 999 or a helpline like Childline (0800 1111) or Samaritans (116 123). They are there to help you through this time, no matter what time of day or night it is.

Talking to Someone

It might seem really hard to open up about how you're feeling, but talking can make a big difference. You could start with someone you trust like a family member, a close friend, or a teacher. School counsellors and your local doctor can also provide help and will know what to do to give you the support you need.

How to Start the Conversation

Starting the conversation about how you're feeling can be the hardest part. You might start by saying something like, "I've been feeling really down lately and I think I need some help." Once you start, you might find that it becomes easier to explain your feelings.

Writing Down Your Feelings

If talking feels too difficult right now, writing down your thoughts can also help. Write a letter to someone you trust or keep a journal of what you're going through. This not only helps you express your feelings but might help you make sense of them.

Small Steps To Feel Better

While professional help is essential, there are also small steps you can take to cope with suicidal feelings:

What should I do if I feel suicidal?

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  • Avoid being alone (especially during hard times): Try to be with family or friends or go to public spaces like a library or a cafe where there are other people.
  • Stay away from things that can hurt you: This might mean getting rid of things that you could use to hurt yourself or asking someone you trust to keep them safe for you.
  • Do something you usually enjoy, even if you don't feel like it: This could be listening to your favourite music, watching a funny show, or drawing.
  • Postpone any decision to end your life: Tell yourself you will wait for 24 hours before you do anything harmful. Then, and it is vital you do this, reach out for help immediately.

Long-term Strategies for Recovery

Recovering from suicidal thoughts isn't just about dealing with the immediate crisis. It often requires dealing with the underlying issues and building a resilient mindset. Ongoing therapy, medications if prescribed, and activities that boost mental health all play a part. Joining support groups or finding community resources for young people can also help you feel supported and less isolated.

Keeping Safe Online

When you're feeling vulnerable, it's also important to manage what you're exposed to online. Avoid content that can make you feel worse and seek out positive communities that promote mental well-being and recovery.

Planning for the Future

Having a plan can help you when you start to feel low or suicidal. Work with someone you trust to create a safety plan that includes signs that you might be starting to feel bad, coping strategies, and people you promise to contact if you're feeling very low.

The Role of Friends

You can also help friends who might be feeling suicidal. Listen to them without judgment, take their feelings seriously, and encourage them to seek help. Sometimes just knowing someone cares can make a big difference.

Remember, it's always okay to ask for help. Feeling suicidal is a serious but treatable condition, and with the right support, you can overcome this. There are many people who understand and want to help you navigate these feelings, so  reach out for help. No one will think worse of you and everyone will want to support you.

How are you feeling?

It is really important that when we need help, we feel able to ask for it. This could be speaking to a parent, a close friend, a teacher or someone else you trust. Sometimes it can be really hard to share our feelings with other people but if we are feeling low or don't know where to turn, sharing with others is really important. Teachers will always take you seriously and listen to your problems in confidence if you approach them for help. Likewise, parents, siblings or friends will help you if you reach out to them.

If you feel like you can't speak to anyone you know, there are people and organisations that can help support you:

  • Childline - Call them on 0800 1111 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
  • NSPCC - Call them on 0808 800 5000 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday or email them on help@NSPCC.org.uk
  • The Samaritans – Call them on 116 123 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
  • SANE – Call 0300 304 7000 for support (4:30pm - 10:30pm every day)
  • Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 (9:00am - 6:00pm Monday to Friday)

*Sometimes we will use real life examples in our articles to aid understanding. When we do, names and ages will be changed.