If you are feeling suicidal don’t try to cope alone. Sometimes problems seem insurmountable or the mental anguish is unbearable – share how you feel with someone else:
Talk to someone – talking to a family member or a friend or a colleague can bring huge relief. A pastor, minister, priest or any other spiritual figure are useful sources of support
Talk to a helpful advisor – by phoning in complete confidence and anonymity a helpline such as Breathing Space, the Samaritans, Childline etc
Talk to your doctor – if you are going through a longer period of feeling low or suicidal, you may be suffering from clinical depression
Talk to your mental health care team – if you are already seeing a psychiatrist, psychologist or community psychiatric nurse
Contact emergency services – are you at high risk at this time of killing yourself? Do you have a plan and the means to complete suicide?
What can I do to help someone who may be suicidal?
Most important – treat the person seriously
Be direct and talk openly about suicide and don’t avoid the issue
Be sure and willing to listen and accept the individual’s feelings
Be non-judgmental and don’t debate the rights or wrongs of suicide
Be there for the person and be involved
Don’t dare them to do it
Don’t act shocked
Don’t be sworn to confidentiality and seek support
Offer hope that alternatives are available
Take action by removing any means they may have to complete suicide
