Experiencing suicidal thoughts can feel overwhelming, frightening, and isolating. It’s important to remember that you are not alone — help and support are available right now. Talking about what you’re going through is a vital step in finding safety and support.
This guide outlines some of the warning signs to look out for, how counselling and therapy can help, and the helplines available in the UK for anyone in crisis.
Warning signs of suicidal thoughts
If you are worried about yourself or someone else, some warning signs may include:
Talking about feeling hopeless or that life isn’t worth living
Saying that family or friends would be better off without them
Looking into methods or means to end their life
Talking frequently about death or making plans to die
Putting affairs in order, such as writing a will or saying goodbyes
Giving away prized possessions
Hearing voices telling them to end their life
If you recognise these signs in yourself or someone else, it’s crucial to seek help immediately.
How counselling and therapy can help
Speaking with a trained mental health professional can make a real difference. Counselling can help you to:
Cope with stress, depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions
Process past traumatic experiences
Break free from unhelpful patterns of behaviour
Understand mood swings and identify triggers
Improve relationships with friends and family
Develop a safety plan for moments of crisis
Build long-term coping strategies for recovery
Reaching out for support is a sign of strength — not weakness.
Immediate help and crisis support
If you feel like you want to die, please tell someone you trust. If you don’t feel able to speak to a friend or family member, there are confidential helplines available 24/7.
Free helplines in the UK
Samaritans – for everyone
Call 116 123 | Email jo@samaritans.orgCampaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – for men
Call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight) | [Webchat available]Papyrus HOPELINEUK – for people under 35
Call 0800 068 41 41 (9am–midnight) | Text 07860 039967 | Email pat@papyrus-uk.orgChildline – for children and young people under 19
Call 0800 1111 (calls won’t appear on phone bills)SOS Silence of Suicide – for everyone
Call 0300 1020 505 (8am–midnight) | Email support@sossilenceofsuicide.org
Text support services
Shout Crisis Text Line – for everyone
Text SHOUT to 85258YoungMinds Crisis Messenger – for under 19s
Text YM to 85258
A message for CAMHS professionals
For those working in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), recognising warning signs early and providing rapid access to crisis support can be lifesaving. Encouraging open conversations about suicidal thoughts and promoting awareness of helplines can help reduce stigma and empower young people to reach out before reaching breaking point.
👉 If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 999. Help is always available — you do not have to go through this alone.
