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Sometimes when we are feeling really low or overwhelmed we can have suicidal thoughts or thoughts about seriously harming ourselves. These could be thoughts about ending your life or that you or others would be better off dead. These thoughts can be scary.
Remember: These are thoughts, like any other thoughts - thoughts will pass - you don't have to act on them - you can overcome them, but you don't have to do it alone - you can reach out to other people to help you.
Talk to someone you trust - this can be a teacher, a year head, a learning mentor at school. At home try and speak with parents, carers or relatives. If you can't contact one person, move on to another person in your network who you trust.
Contact Helplines - If for some reason you don't feel able to do this, there are confidential services that you can contact. You can talk with trained professionals who are there to support young people when distressed.
RISE. If you are finding things really hard right now and you are aged 11 to 18 years, talk with someone today. 8am-8pm call 02476 641799. Overnight call 0300 200 0011
Text the YoungMinds Crisis Messenger for free 24/7 support if you are experiencing a mental health crisis - Text YM to 85258
Contact Childline for free on 0800 1111 to speak with someone about whats happening for you and how you are feeling. Calls are free and won't show up on your phone bill.
Telephone the Samaritans, 24/7, on 116 123 to talk about anything that's on your mind, including suicide.
Telephone Papyrus HOPELINE on 0800 068 4141 or text 007786 209 697 if you are experiencing thoughts about suicide - available Monday to Friday 9am til 10pm or weekends 2pm to 10pm.
If you cannot keep yourself safe call 999 for emergency support.
Safety Plans
Safety Plans
If you are feeling low in mood and have experienced suicidal thoughts and feelings, it may help to create a `safety plan' which you can write out or save onto your phone.
When would I use it? the plan is to help you get through the crisis times until the thoughts or urges pass.
What should I include in my plan?
Why do I want to stay safe: List your reasons for not taking your life today - List the people or animals that would want you to keep safe -List your hopes for the future that you need to stay safe for - Can you commit to staying safe just for now?
What strengths can I draw upon to stay safe: List the strengths you have personally - list down the qualities other people have mentioned about you - do you have faith and how has this helped you - remind yourself of times when you have got through a crisis point or challenge - list the coping strategies you have used before.
What can I do to keep myself: Make sure you remove anything from your home and room that you could use to harm yourself. This is just in case you feel overwhelmed.
Who I can reach out to: List the people you trust that you can talk with when you feel in crisis. Try to write out a few names just in case you can't reach someone at the time.
Write out the numbers for helplines or emergency services for times you may not feel able to keep yourself safe. Some numbers are provided above.
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