SUICIDAL?
AT CRISIS POINT?

  • If you’re feeling suicidal it’s important to tell someone how you’re feeling.
  • You don’t need to struggle with difficult feelings alone – there are people who can help right now.
  • Other men who have had suicidal thoughts have found and accepted help which has made a difference.
You can:
  • Speak to a friend, family member or someone you trust as they may be able to help you feel calmer and find some breathing space.

  • Speak to the Sussex Mental Healthline team on 0800 0309 500. A trained and experienced team is on hand ready to listen and offer urgent mental health support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

  • If you are a young person and are feeling suicidal you can call:

    • Childline on 0800 1111 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or
    • Papyrus on 0800 068 4141 (10am-10pm weekdays and 2pm-10pm on weekends)
  • If you don't feel able to keep yourself safe right now, call 999 or go to A&E

Tips for coping right now
Although you may be struggling at the moment and feel trapped, please remember:
  • It's ok to ask for help. There are people who can listen, help and support you through this.
  • You won't always feel this bad. How you're feeling at the moment will pass.
  • Thoughts are only thoughts – you don't need to follow them. There are many ways to manage suicidal thoughts other than harming yourself.
Practical tips that have helped other people who have had suicidal thoughts include:
Wait. Get safe right now.

Don't do anything right now to hurt yourself.

  • Get through the next five minutes. Taking things minute by minute can help make things more bearable. Reward yourself for each five minutes that pass.
  • Remove anything you could use to harm yourself or ask someone else to remove these for you. If you're in an unsafe location or space, move away.
  • If you have a safety plan or crisis plan, follow it.
  • Just try to get through today rather than focussing on the future.
Talk to someone you trust.
  • This could be a friend or family member, or if you don’t want to speak to someone you know speak to/call specialist support – there will be people who want to help.
  • There’s no right or wrong way to talk about suicidal feelings – starting the conversation is what is important.
  • Telling someone else how you are feeling can help you to feel less alone and more in control.
Distract yourself.

You might feel it is impossible not to focus on your suicidal thoughts or why you feel that way. If you focus on your thoughts it might make them feel stronger and harder to cope with. Try doing things that distract you. Think about what you enjoy doing.

For instance, you could:

  • Read a book or magazine.
  • Watch a film or TV.
  • Go for a walk. Do some exercise.
  • Draw or paint.
  • Play a video game or other games and puzzles you enjoy.
Be around other people.
  • You may find it too difficult to speak to anyone at the moment. That’s ok. But try not to spend too much time alone.
Other people & resources you can go to for help