Overview
Keeping safe - managing suicidal thoughts
This information is for people using services at:
Guy's Hospital
Harefield Hospital
Royal Brompton Hospital
St Thomas' Hospital
If you are feeling very distressed, or you are having thoughts about harming yourself or taking your own life, it is very important that you ask someone for help.
It may feel like the really distressing feelings will never go away, or you cannot be helped – but you are not alone, and people can help you.
Suicidal thoughts are probably more common than you think. Up to 1 in 2 people will have moderate to severe suicidal thoughts for at least 2 weeks at some point in their life. Most of these people will never act on these thoughts.
Many people who have had suicidal thoughts say that they were so overwhelmed with negative feelings and thoughts, that it was hard to see a solution. However, with support and treatment, they were able to allow the negative feelings to pass, and they did not act on their thoughts.
It is very important that you do not act on these thoughts or feelings in a way that you may regret later. There are people you can talk to who want to help.
We have provided information about:
- talking to someone about how you feel
- getting urgent help and support
- helping yourself when feeling distressed
- other services that can help
If you have any questions, please speak to a doctor or nurse caring for you.
Important
Call 999 or go to your nearest emergency department (A&E) if you:
- think someone’s life is at risk, for example, they have seriously injured themselves, or taken an overdose
- do not feel you can keep yourself, or someone else, safe
A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one. You will not be wasting anyone's time.
Talking to someone about how you feel
Ring a friend
Call someone you feel you can trust and confide in.
Contact Samaritans
They are a trained group of people who you can talk to in complete confidence if you are feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal. They are not only for people who are suicidal, in fact they encourage people to ring before they get to that stage.
You can call their helpline, or email them.
Phone: 116 123 (calls are free, and phone lines are open 24 hours a day, every day of the week)
Email: [email protected]. Please note: it may take several days to receive a reply by email. To speak to someone now, call the helpline.
You can also speak to a Samaritan face-to-face. To find your local branch, and opening hours, visit: www.samaritans.org/branches
Text ‘Shout’ to 85358
Shout is a free, confidential 24/7 text messaging service for anyone in the UK who needs support. Text ‘Shout’ to 85358 to start a conversation.
For more information, visit giveusashout.org
Make an appointment with your GP
You can make an appointment with your GP if you need someone to talk to. They can help you work out what kind of support you need and introduce you to the right mental health service.
Getting urgent help and support
Call 999 or go to your nearest A&E now if:
- you, or someone else is in danger, and need help now
You will be provided with appropriate support and assessment by a dedicated team of trained healthcare professionals, 24 hours a day.
Our hospital Trust’s A&E is at St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH (near Waterloo Station).
Get help from NHS 111 online or call 111 if:
- you need urgent help for your mental health.
You can call 24 hours a day, and ask for a translator if you need one.
Phone: 111 or visit NHS 111.
Contact or visit your GP
If you need urgent help and support, you can make an urgent appointment to see your GP. They can help you find the right support during a time of crisis. If your GP is closed, they might have an out-of-hours contact number. If you need urgent support now, phone 999 or visit your nearest A&E.
Call your local mental health crisis support line
All areas will have a 24-hour crisis line, available for patients and carers. Please look online, or ask your clinician.
Ring a family member or trusted friend
Call someone who you feel you can confide in, and who can help you get the support you need.
Helping yourself when feeling distressed
In addition to seeking help, the following points are things for you to consider.
- Think about why your life is worth living
- Imagine that someone you care about was feeling as low as you feel right now. What would you say to them?
You might find it helpful to write your thoughts down.
Remind yourself that, although it may not feel like it, these feelings and thoughts are temporary, and will pass with time.
Other services available
You may find these services useful if you would like someone to talk to, or if you would like to find out more information.
CALM
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) is a suicide-prevention charity, providing support to anyone who is affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts. You can call their helpline, or visit their website for an online live-chat or WhatsApp link to chat.
Phone: 0800 58 58 58, phone lines are open from 5pm to 12 midnight, every day.
Childline
A free, confidential helpline for children and young people in the UK. This number will not show up on your phone bill.
Phone: 0800 1111, Open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
PAPYRUS
A voluntary organisation that supports teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal. This is not a 24-hour service.
Phone: 0800 068 41 41
SANEline
This is a national, out-of-hours mental health helpline offering specialist emotional support and information to anyone affected by mental illness – including family, friends and carers.
Phone: 0300 304 7000, open 4pm to 10pm, every day.
The Silver Line
A free, confidential helpline providing information, friendship, and advice, to people aged 55 and over. Phone: 0800 470 80 90, open 24 hours a day, every day.
The Hub of Hope
You can search for services and support local to you on the Hub of Hope website.
Visit hubofhope.co.uk
The Stay Alive app
Stay Alive is a pocket suicide prevention resource that contains information and tools to help you stay safe in crisis.
You can download the app from your mobile app store, or visit www.stayalive.app
Staying safe
The staying safe website provides resources to help you develop your own safety plan.
You can also visit the NHS website to find out about the different types of mental health support available.
Resource number: 4028/VER3
Last reviewed: July 2024
Next review due: July 2027
