Help for somebody with suicidal thoughts
Talking about suicide is often a difficult topic to bring up.
The purpose of this is to create a safe and supportive space for individuals who have been impacted by suicide.
Add your message to the Book of Reflection and read the messages left by others.
Potential signs
It's not always obvious when someone is going through a crisis and feeling suicidal. Any of these potential signs can indicate if someone is suicidal and prompt you to take action:
- Severe sadness
- Insomnia
- Withdrawal
- Changes in life (personality, appearance)
- Self-harming behaviour
- Recent trauma
- Talking about suicide.
Lawrie, a young woman bereaved by suicide, tells her story to Paul from Clear MT Digital. See the full interview: The Saddest People Smile The Brightest. Men's Talk is Clear's advocacy project for men with lived experience of mental health issues, using applied theatre and film-making to raise awareness, reduce stigma and sign-post support.
How to offer support
Support from friends and family can play a huge part in changing someone's life and reduce any suicidal thoughts and impulses. If you have noticed that someone displays any of these signs:
- Talk about it - ask them if they are having these thoughts, as communication can reduce the chances of this happening. Remind them they are important and are loved.
- Reassure them without judgement
- Listen to them
- Find out if they have a plan on suicide.
Learn how to help somebody with suicidal thoughts
Zero Suicide Alliance training
Get support for yourself or someone else
- Suicide Bereavement Services
- Suicide Prevention West Yorkshire
- Papyrus UK - for young people under 35
- Let's talk about self harm
Professional resources
- Guidance for frontline workers and volunteers
- Guidance for frontline workers and volunteers: Supporting young people
- Kirklees suicide and self-harm prevention action plan 2020-2023
- West Yorkshire suicide prevention strategy and action plan 2022-2027