Sometimes deep and intense emotions like being really sad or feeling down can feel like too much to handle. You may think that the only way to make these feelings stop is to end your life. But there are other options and things you can do to overcome these difficult feelings.
You’re not alone, suicidal thoughts are far more common that you realise and can happen for lots of reasons. If you’ve been feeling really down, low, angry or sad, please don’t suffer in silence. The first step to getting help is to tell someone how you feel.
You might feel scared or embarrassed to talk about your feelings, but sharing your worries with someone you trust will help you get through hard times. You deserve help and you will find that there is hope.
If you are self-harming to manage distressing emotions information and advice is available here
It’s really important that you talk to someone you trust and who will listen like a parent or carer, family member, teacher, or a friend. There are lots of places you can go to if you would prefer to speak to a stranger, like the organisations listed below.
A 24/7 helpline to give children and young people support about anything, including suicidal feelings.
You can sign up for a Childline account on their website and you will then be able to message a counsellor anytime without using an email address. Or you can have a one-to-one chat with an online advisor.
Call the Samaritans on 116 123, they are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
HOPELINEUK is a helpline for young people up to the age of 35 or those concerned for someone. It is open 9am-10pm weekdays and 2-10pm on weekends and bank holidays.
An online counselling platform for young people with an online chat service. It’s open Monday to Friday, 9am to 10pm and 6pm to 10pm on weekends.
Support for young people that are LGBTQ+ or questioning. Support includes one-to-one sessions and youth groups
Confidential online chat for children and young people to message healthcare professionals for advice and support.
YoungMinds Parents Helpline is available for parents, guardians and carers and you can call them on 0808 802 5544; 9.30am to 4pm on weekdays.
Young Minds Crisis Messenger provides free crisis support during a crisis – this is available every day of the week, at any time day or night. All that is required is to text YM to 85258. All texts are answered by trained volunteers, with support from experienced clinical supervisors. Texts are free from EE, O2, Vodafone, 3, Virgin Mobile, BT Mobile, GiffGaff, Tesco Mobile and Telecom Plus.