If you’re worried that someone you know may be considering suicide, try to encourage them to talk about how they are feeling.  You do not need to have a solution to their problems just being there for them and listening without judgement, shows that you care and their wellbeing is important to you.

Warning signs of suicide

Sometimes there may be obvious signs that someone is at risk of attempting suicide. 

Warning signs that may require immediate response such as:

• threaten to hurt or kill themselves
• talking or writing about death, dying or suicide

What to do

• Talk to the person openly about their feelings of suicide
• Determine if they have a plan to carry this out
• If the person’s life is in immediate danger, contact Emergency Services 999
• Check if the person has a safety plan and implement the safety plan for them with their permission.

Other warning signs

A person may also be at risk of attempting suicide if they:

• complain of feelings of hopelessness
• act recklessly and engage in risky activities with an apparent lack of concern about the consequences
• talk about feeling trapped, such as saying they can’t see any way out of their current situation
• become increasingly withdrawn from friends, family and society in general
• appear anxious and agitated
• sudden change in sleeping patterns
• have sudden mood swings – a sudden lift in mood after a period of depression could indicate they have made the decision to attempt suicide
• lose interest in most things, including their appearance
• put their affairs in order, such as sorting out possessions

If you notice any of these warning signs in a friend, relative or loved one, encourage them to talk about how they are feeling and encourage them to seek help.

Self-harm 

Suicide is wanting to end life whereas self-harming can be a coping mechanism, providing a person with a way of coping with overwhelming emotions. Many people who self-harm don’t want to kill themselves they just want to survive. However, this can be a sign that a person might want help and support.

To find further information on Self Harm visit NHS inform.

If you self-harm, it is important that you know how to look after your injuries and that you have access to the first aid equipment you need. LifeSIGNS has information on first aid for self-injury and self-harm. If you’re concerned about an injury or not sure how to look after it, see your GP.

Follow this link for emergency helpline services: Getting Help