Suicidal Thoughts
Suicidal thoughts involve persistent thoughts, urges, or plans to end one’s own life. They can range from fleeting ideation to more concrete plans and intentions to die by suicide. Suicidal thoughts are often a symptom of underlying mental health conditions and can be an indication of significant distress and suffering.
How can suicidal thoughts affect you?
Suicidal thoughts can have profound effects on an individual’s well-being:
- Emotional Impact: Suicidal thoughts are often accompanied by intense emotional pain, despair, hopelessness, and a sense of being overwhelmed by life’s challenges.
- Physical Symptoms: Individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts may also experience physical symptoms such as changes in appetite, sleep disturbances and fatigue.
- Social Functioning: Suicidal thoughts can lead to social withdrawal, isolation, and difficulties in maintaining relationships due to feelings of shame, guilt, or fear of burdening others.
How to cope when you are having suicidal thoughts
- Seek Help: Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional. It’s crucial to talk about your feelings and seek support from someone who can help you navigate through this difficult time.
- Crisis Resources: Contact emergency services or helplines such as Tough Enough To Care (Text TOUGH to 85258), Samaritans (116 123) or NHS 111 for immediate support and assistance.
- Therapy: Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), or supportive therapy, can help individuals explore the underlying issues contributing to suicidal thoughts, develop coping strategies, and establish a safety plan.
- Medication: In some cases, medication such as antidepressants may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms of depression or other underlying mental health conditions contributing to suicidal thoughts.
- Self-Care: Engage in self-care activities that promote mental and emotional well-being, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, hobbies, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- Support Groups: Joining a support group or participating in peer support programs can provide understanding, validation, and encouragement from others who have experienced similar struggles.
Where to find help
Speak to your GP: If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, it’s essential to seek help immediately. You are not alone, and there are people who can provide support and assistance to help you through this difficult time.
Tough Enough To Care:
Use our text service for free, confidential support 24/7, or find your nearest support group here.
Charities and Organisations:
