Why Talking About It..Helps.

• Breaking the Isolation: Suicidal thoughts thrive in secrecy. Talking about them immediately disrupts that isolation. It lets light into the darkness and reminds you that you are connected to others who care.
• Validation and Understanding: When you voice your pain, it becomes real and valid. It allows others to acknowledge your suffering and respond with empathy, which can be incredibly relieving.
• Accessing Life-Saving Help: Talking opens the door to professional help – therapists, doctors, crisis support – who have the expertise and resources to help you navigate these intense feelings and build a path forward.
• Releasing the Burden: Holding onto suicidal thoughts can be incredibly heavy. Sharing them, even just a little, can provide a significant sense of relief, like taking a huge weight off your shoulders.
• Dispelling Myths: Many people worry that talking about suicide will make it worse or “give someone the idea”. For the person experiencing suicidal thoughts, this worry can be reversed: you might fear that talking about it will burden others or lead to judgment. The opposite is true. Open communication is proven to reduce risk and lead to recovery.

Before You Talk: Prepare for the Conversation

Understand that this is one of the hardest things you might ever do and that makes your willingness to consider it, incredibly brave. Give yourself credit.

There’s no ‘perfect’ time but choose a moment when you feel a tiny bit of readiness to share, even if it’s just a flicker of hope. You don’t have to be ‘okay’ to talk; you just need to be willing to try.

What You Don’t Need to Do:

• Have all the answers: You don’t need to explain why you feel this way or have a solution. Just sharing the feelings can be enough.
• Be articulate or eloquent: You don’t need perfect words. Short, honest statements are powerful.
• Worry about ‘burdening’ someone: People who care about you want to know and want to help. Your wellbeing and safety is not a burden.

• Consider What You Want: What do you need in this moment? To be listened to? To feel less alone? To find professional help? Having a loose idea can help guide you but it’s okay if you just want to talk.
• Write it Down (Optional but Helpful): If speaking feels too difficult, consider writing down what you want to say in a note, text, or email. This can make the initial step less daunting.

Who Can You Talk To About Suicidal Thoughts?

It’s about finding someone safe, empathetic and willing to listen and help you.

Crisis Hotlines & Emergency Services

• When to use: If you are feeling overwhelmed right now and need to talk immediately, or if you have a plan and intend to act on it. These services are available 24/7, are confidential and are staffed by trained professionals.
• Staffed by trained professionals: Don’t worry how they feel. They are trained to listen to the facts and respond accordingly.
• You can remain anonymous: With some Crisis Hotlines, you don’t need to tell them your personal details and you can use a different name.

Trusted Friends or Family Members:

• Think: Who in your life makes you feel safe? Who has shown you consistent kindness and empathy?
• Consider their capacity: While they care, they might not know exactly what to do or say. Your role is to share your feelings and their role is to listen and support you in finding help.

Mental Health Professionals (Therapists, Counsellors, Psychiatrists):

• They are experts: They are specifically trained to help people with suicidal thoughts.
• Confidentiality: What you share with them is, confidential — with exceptions for immediate danger.
• They can help you develop a safety plan.

Your GP or Doctor:

• First point of contact: Your GP can be a great first step. They can listen, assess your needs and refer you to specialist mental health services, medication or talking therapy.
• Familiarity: You might already have a relationship with your GP or know the buildings location well, making it feel more trusted.

Spiritual or Community Leader:

• If you have a strong connection to a faith or community, a trusted leader might provide compassionate listening and guidance.

Conversing Care:

• We offer emotional support for anyone struggling with their mental health or wellbeing. We also support those experiencing a mental health crisis, including self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
• One Safe Space we offer is the Community Mental Health Forum. Anonymous support from trained volunteers and community members.

What to Say: Finding the Words

You don’t need fancy words. Honesty and simplicity is more than enough.

Here are some examples to begin a conversation around experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Be Direct: Using the word “suicide” is okay

• “I’ve been having suicidal thoughts.”
• “I’m feeling so much pain that I’ve been thinking about ending my life.”
• “I’m really struggling and sometimes I think about not wanting to be here anymore.”
• “I need to tell you something difficult: I’ve been thinking about suicide.”

Express Your Feelings: Even if you don’t mention suicide at first

• “I feel completely overwhelmed / hopeless / trapped / empty.”
• “The pain is so intense, I don’t know how to cope.”
• “I feel like a burden to everyone around me.”
• “I just want the pain to stop.”

Ask for What You Need: (If you know)

• “I just need you to listen.”
• “I need help finding a therapist or doctor.”
• “Can you stay with me for a bit?”
• “I don’t know what I need but I just needed to tell someone.”

If you’re worried about being a burden:

• “I know this is a heavy thing to hear but I feel like I can trust you and I really need to talk.”
• “I’m struggling and I’m choosing to reach out because I believe you care.”
• “If this is to much for you, please help me find someone know can help me.”

Conclusion: Your Journey Towards Healing Starts Now

The act of speaking about your suicidal thoughts is a profound act of self-preservation and courage. It’s the first step on a journey towards understanding your pain, finding effective coping strategies and ultimately, reclaiming your life from the grip of despair.

Healing is a process and it will take time. There will be good days and bad days but every time you reach out, every time you talk, you are choosing life. You are choosing hope. Hold onto that truth.

You are valued. You are worthy of help and you are not alone. Please, choose to talk. Your life is worth fighting for and there are people ready and waiting to fight alongside you.

Immediate Support & Resources

In an emergency, call 999.

If you or someone else is experiencing a mental health crisis, visit our Urgent Help page to find the right help at the right time.

For coping strategies and additional resources, visit the Resource Hub.

Find out How to Recover After a Suicide Attempt.

Find out How to Support Someone Who is Having Suicidal Thoughts.