Suicidal thoughts

Anyone can experience suicidal thoughts. These can mean different things for different people, but can include:

• feeling that people would be better off without you.
• feeling hopeless or unable to cope.
• contemplating methods of suicide.
• making clear plans to end your own life.

Suicidal thoughts might develop gradually or happen very suddenly. They can vary in severity and intensity at different times. They may change quickly, you might experience them for a short amount of time or feel like they’re constantly there.

If you’re having thoughts of ending your own life, it’s important to tell someone. Help and support is available. You don’t have to struggle with these difficult thoughts and feelings alone.

NHS support

• If you have injured yourself, are facing a life-threatening emergency, or are unable to keep yourself safe, call 999 and request an ambulance or visit your closest A&E department. Find your nearest A&E.
• Talk to your GP (doctor) – Contact your GP surgery and request an emergency mental health appointment with the first available GP. If you’re not yet registered, follow our guidance on Registering with a doctor.
• NHS 111 – Call the helpline on 111 and select the ‘mental health’ option. The phone will be answered by a trained mental health professional who will be able to listen to your concerns and help you get the support you need. The service is available to call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Face-to-face support

• Here For You offers a safe and confidential space for people (aged 16 and over) experiencing crisis in Leeds.
• Dial House – a place of sanctuary offering emotional and practical support to people (aged 16 and over) in crisis.
• Dial House@Touchstone offers support to anyone from a BAME group including refugee and asylum seekers.

Someone to talk to

• Find your nearest Samaritans branch – a support service, available to call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Many of the Samaritans branches are also open to visitors, so you can speak to someone in person. They also offer support to those worried about others.
• Deaf Connect BSL Helpline – emotional support for people in West Yorkshire who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Shout – a text support service available 24/7 for those who do not want to or are unable to discuss their distress verbally.
• Leeds Nightline - a confidential listening services for students.
• West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) Text Service – offers 24/7 text support for anyone struggling to cope in West Yorkshire.

Self-help resources

• How to help someone in crisis - including understanding crisis, appropriate language to use, and caring for yourself (Leeds Mindwell).
• Self-care tips when experiencing suicidal ideation (Mind).
• Support building a Safety Plan (Every life matters)

Apps

• Stay Alive App – a suicide prevention resource full of information and resources.
• CalmHarm App – designed to help manage the urge to self harm.

Podcasts

• Reach In, Reach Out Podcast (International Association for Suicide Prevention) series aims to encourage understanding around the complexities of suicide, reduce stigma surrounding the topic and spark meaningful conversations.
• Suicide Noted podcast (RedCircle) which focuses on discussing the experiences of suicide attempt survivors. The purpose is to reduce the stigma surrounding suicide, helping those with similar struggles to feel less alone.