Suicidal thoughts can be terrifying and feel very isolating. But feeling like you want to harm yourself is more common than most people think. The important thing to realise is that you're not alone and that immediate help is available.

I'm feeling suicidal, what can I do?

Talk to someone. Anyone. You may feel overwhelmed, beyond help, or even angry at everyone around you but you deserve support. Telling a family member or friend could help to calm you down. But if you don't feel comfortable doing this, you can share your feelings in complete confidence with The Samaritans. They provide a 24 hour phone service where you can talk to a trusted professional on your own terms. Call them on 08457 909090 or email jo@samaritans.org if that feels a bit less daunting. Or use our Help in A Crisis page to contact the Samaritans directly through TheSite.org.  

You could also consider contacting one of these organisations:

• Depression Alliance - charity offering information and self-help groups.
  Tel: 0845 123 2320
• Supportline - confidential and emotional support on the telephone.
  Tel: 01708 765200
• Sane - offers immediate emotional help by phone, email or an online support forum.
Tel: 0845 767 8000 

Talk to your GP

You probably feel like nobody can help you, but your doctor may be able to diagnose a temporary and treatable issue that's causing your distress. For example, feelings of despair, sadness, low self-esteem or panic are indicators of conditions like anxiety and depression. These symptoms can be relieved by medication or talking therapy. Your GP can also point you in the direction of local self-help groups.

I feel really desperate, please help

If you really feel your thoughts have reached crisis level then going to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department of your local hospital might be the safest option. There you can see a duty psychologist who will be able to assess your needs and help your find the necessary support.

Helping a friend

If someone you know tells you that they are thinking about harming themselves, take it seriously. Don't laugh or tell them to shut up, stop acting stupid, or snap out of it. Let them talk about the problem, and try not to judge them. Be kind, stay calm and get them medical attention as soon as you can. Sometimes, offering to go with them to a doctor's appointment will help them pluck up the courage to do so. It might be a false alarm, but it's better to be on the safe side.

Long-term help

If you're not in a crisis right now, but would like to investigate longer-term sources of support, TheSite.org's discussion boards can be a place of reassurance and advice. The discussion boards allow you to share your thoughts completely anonymously with others who've experienced similar issues and to explore ways other young people have coped with suicidal feelings. Or go to our Need Help Now page to find more helpline numbers or to use our askTheSite service, a free question and answer service where a trained advisor will answer any question within three working days.

Updated: 17/02/2012