How to stop thinking about suicide?
If you’re having thoughts of suicide, you can take practical steps right now to help manage these feelings and keep yourself safe.
Immediate steps you can take
Talk to someone you trust
Share how you’re feeling with a friend or family member. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Focus on the present
Try to get through one moment or one day at a time, rather than worrying about the future.
Distract yourself
Do something you enjoy, like going for a walk, gardening, or a creative hobby.
Stay around people
Being with others can help you feel safer, even if you don’t talk about your feelings.
Ground yourself
Notice what you can see, hear, and touch. This can help bring you back to the present.
Reframe your thoughts
Write down positive things in your life and your strengths.
Go to a safe place
Find somewhere you feel secure and calm.
Avoid drugs and alcohol
These can make your thoughts and feelings worse.
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Suicidal thoughts don’t stem from wanting to hurt others or seeking attention. For me, they come from a place of deep emotional agony, a feeling of being utterly worthless, hopeless and exhausted from carrying my struggles alone.
Jen Jen
Getting support
Call a helpline
You can contact the Samaritans on 116 123 for confidential, non-judgmental support.
Get professional help
Speak to your GP or call NHS 111 (option 2) for urgent mental health support.
In an emergency
If you feel you might harm yourself, call 999 or go to Accident & Emergency (A&E).
More help and resources
You can find self-help guides and videos, like the NHS’s “Help for suicidal thoughts,” which may help you feel less alone.
For more detailed advice, visit our page on coping with suicidal thoughts and learn how to create a crisis plan.
Remember
You are not alone, and support is available. Taking small steps and reaching out can make a real difference.
If you need urgent help or want to talk to someone, visit our Get Help Now page for more ways to get the support you need.
Get help now
Other commonly asked questions
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Living with depression can feel overwhelming, but there are steps you can take to manage your symptoms and find hope.
Read our guide
What is CBT?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a type of talking therapy. It examines how your thoughts can affect your feelings and aims to change these thought patterns.
Read the full answer
What is a mental health carer?
A mental health carer is someone who gives unpaid emotional and practical support to a loved one living with mental illness.
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