Understanding Suicidal Thoughts and Seeking Help

Article6 min read

Explore understanding suicidal thoughts and seeking help with practical information on common patterns, what may help, and when additional support may be useful.

Recognising when immediate support is needed

Understanding Suicidal Thoughts and Seeking Help can involve intense distress, hopelessness or a sense that there are no workable options. These experiences should be taken seriously, especially when a person feels unable to stay safe. 1 Immediate safety comes first. Reaching out to a trusted person, moving away from anything that could be used for harm, and contacting appropriate crisis or emergency support can create time and distance from the most intense moment. 2 A written safety plan can also help identify warning signs, coping steps and people or services to contact when distress rises. 3

Article references

  1. Samaritans. Guidance on coping with suicidal feelings and creating a safety plan.
  2. Mind. Information and support for self-harm, crisis coping and urgent mental health support.
  3. World Health Organization. Suicide prevention and mental health guidance.

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