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Common questions about suicidal feelings

What do I do if I feel like it's an emergency?

  • Call 111
  • Go to the emergency department at your nearest hospital
  • Call your local mental health crisis team. Click here for a list or ring Healthline on 0800 611 116

I’m having thoughts of harming myself and need emotional support. Is there someone I can call?

  • Call Youthline on 0800 37 66 33 or free-text 234
  • Call Lifeline on 0800 543 354

Why am I having these thoughts?

Having these thoughts is actually more common than most people realise. When people feel hopeless, trapped or unhappy, it’s natural to want those feelings to go away or want your situation to change. Sometimes that means people start thinking of death as an option - but actually, many people agree that if they could change their situation, they wouldn't feel like ending their life anymore. This is an indication that really most people don't want to end their life, they want to end the pain they are experiencing.

Does this mean I am going crazy?

Absolutely not! Just because you’re having these thoughts, it doesn’t mean you are doomed or that you will always feel this way or that you are going to get worse. In fact, having these thoughts are your brains way of telling you that you want things to change and you want the pain to go away. For many people, this is often the first step to getting help and support.

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