Fact Sheet: Suicidal Thoughts

Fact Sheets

Support for Young People Experiencing Suicidal Thoughts

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Immediate Help:

• NHS 111, press 2:  urgent support helpline. Mental Health support

• HOPELINE247: For confidential suicide prevention advice, contact HOPELINE247 at 0800 068 4141, text 88247, or email pat@papyrus-uk.org.

• Samaritans: Available 24/7 at 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.

• Childline: Call 0800 11 11 for immediate support 

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If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, remember that you are not alone. Youthline is not an emergency service however, if you find yourself on this page seeking advice immediately, please contact one of the above numbers.

Understanding Suicidal Feelings: Suicidal thoughts can feel overwhelming, but there are ways to manage these feelings. It’s crucial to talk to someone you trust, whether it’s a friend, family member, or a professional. Sharing your thoughts can be the first step towards feeling better.

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Here are some steps you can take to manage thoughts and feelings to keep yourself safe:

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1. Talk it out:

• Reach Out: Speak with someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, or counsellor. Sharing your feelings can provide relief and support.​

2. Create a Safety Plan:

• Remove Harmful Items: Ensure that any items you could use to harm yourself are out of reach.

• Safe Environment: Move to a place where you feel safe and secure.​

3. Distract Yourself:

• Engage in Activities: Find activities that can take your mind off your thoughts, such as watching a movie, reading, or exercising.

• Grounding Techniques: Focus on your senses by noticing what you can see, hear, touch, taste, and smell. 

​4. Challenge Negative Thoughts:

• Positive Reminders: Write down things you look forward to or positive affirmations to remind yourself that these feelings are temporary.

• Professional Support: Consider speaking with a mental health professional who can provide guidance and support.

​5. Avoid Alcohol and Drugs:

• Stay Clear: Avoid substances that can worsen your mood and increase impulsivity.

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How Counselling Helps When a Young Person Has Suicidal Thoughts

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, it can feel overwhelming and frightening — both for you and for those around you. Counselling offers a safe, confidential space where you can begin to talk openly about what you’re feeling, without fear of judgement.

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Understanding What’s Behind the Thoughts

Suicidal thoughts often don’t come out of nowhere. They can be a response to intense emotional pain, past trauma, bullying, low self-esteem, family difficulties, or mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. A counsellor helps you make sense of what you’re going through and understand that these thoughts are a sign they’re struggling, not a sign of weakness or failure.

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Providing Safety and Support

A key role of the counsellor is to help you explore ways to help you stay safe. This may include working with you to create a safety plan, exploring coping strategies, and identifying supportive people in your life. If there is serious risk, the counsellor may involve appropriate services, always aiming to do this with your knowledge and as collaboratively as possible.

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Helping to Build Hope

Counselling also helps you to express feelings and thoughts, reduce the sense of isolation and develop healthier ways to manage your emotions. Over time, you will begin to see and feel that things can change and that support is available. It’s about helping you find reasons to live — and a future worth holding on to.

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Remember, counselling really does help! Reaching out for help is a sign of strength. You don’t have to go through this alone, and there are resources available to support you and people who care about you.