Suicide

Suicide is when someone takes their own life. Having suicidal thoughts is when someone is thinking about killing themselves.

Feelings of despair, isolation and hopelessness can affect anyone of any age, at any time. When these feelings become too much to bear, it might seem like suicide is the only way to escape the problems.

Why do some people want to commit suicide?

There is no simple explanation for suicidal behaviour. Some things that can cause feelings of anxiety, that you are unimportant, hopelessness, isolation and depression, which might lead to thoughts of suicide, are:

• Abuse
• Constant rows with someone close
• Bullying
• Stress over exams
• Worries about the future

Sometimes young people, like adults, can feel deeply unhappy for no obvious reason at all, and believe that they will feel that way forever. Depression and despair can also be caused by specific events, such as:

• The death of someone close
• Parents splitting up
• Unwanted pregnancy
• Relationship ending
• A violent incident such as rape

I feel like I want to kill myself, how can you help me?

Talking about how you feel and being listened to can help you find a way through your feelings. It's really important that you talk to someone if you are feeling suicidal.

We are here 24 hours a day for you to talk to and if you don't get through the first time, please try again until you do.

We can also offer practical help, like giving information about help available in your area, such as face-to-face counselling. If we feel that it is an emergency, for example if you have taken an overdose of tablets, counsellors will encourage you to call 999 for help from the emergency services or they will try to get emergency help to you.

You can also call The Samaritans who provide confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide. Call 08457 90 90 90 or visit http://www.samaritans.org/.