Different people have different thought processes around suicide. Sometimes people report that these feelings build during a difficult period in life. At other times, suicidal thoughts and feelings come and go. It is important to know, however, that these feelings are not uncommon.
It is also important to note that evidence shows that talking about suicide does not make a person more likely to end their own life. Nor does it mean that a person is not serious, or ‘attention-seeking’.
These thoughts do not normally occur in children though they become more common in teenagers.
Suicidal thoughts and feelings can also appear in adulthood. There may be a ‘trigger’ event, or there may not.
Everyone’s experiences are different. Whilst it is possible to feel that one will never be happy, with support and understanding most people who have felt suicidal go on to live long and fruitful lives.
The important thing is to let someone know and to begin the process of talking to someone about the feelings.
Many people have suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives. Much fewer people act on these thoughts.
Suicidal feelings can affect anyone, of any age, gender or background, at any time.
Some people can point to a particular event that made them contemplate suicide. For others, they may have been feeling increasingly hopeless and worthless for some time as the result of a combination of factors.
There are too many to list, but stress, depression and other mental health problems are typical.
The two main approaches to help people with suicidal thoughts are talk therapy and medication.
For talk therapy, contact one of our experts. ProblemShared therapists are skilled and experienced at providing support to people who are coping with suicidal thoughts and feelings, no matter what the client’s age or circumstances.
Medicines do not specifically treat suicidal thoughts but can help with the underlying issues a person may be suffering from, which lead to thoughts of suicide. A GP will discuss these medications with you. It is important to remember that sometimes the medicines themselves, whether they be antidepressants, antipsychotics or mood stabilisers, can have the side effect of making suicidal thoughts stronger in the short term.
If you or someone you know is at immediate risk of harm, please call 999.
Papyrus is a charity that aims to reduce death by suicide amongst young people. It provides advice for parents, young people and people who look after young people who are at high risk or have threatened to end their own lives.
For people in distress or despair, especially for people experiencing suicidal thoughts, Samaritans is open 24 hours a day by phone (116 123) and email (jo@samaritans.org).
This charity provides a free 24-hour text service for young people in crisis, including those coping with suicidal thoughts and feelings. To contact the service, text THEMIX to 85258.