Respond to suicidal thoughts
Learn what to do and how to react if a young person opens up about suicidal thoughts or self harm.
Expert help
It’s key to remember you can't solve everything. You are there to care, support and take action to keep them safe. But you can't do it alone, and you are likely to need professionals like GPs or mental health services to share the load and give specialist advice.
Remember, call 999 or take them to A&E if you are worried that a young person is at immediate risk of harm, has already taken steps, or you cannot keep them safe.
You can also call the NHS on 111 and select option 2 (Mental Health) to access the Mental Health Crisis helpline. This service gives people of all ages, including children and young people, the chance to be listened to by a trained member of staff who can help direct them to the right place,
Also check out: NHS Mental Health Services website, and CALM Support
Specialist Services for Young People: There are several organisations and resources available to support young people who are feeling suicidal. Encourage the young person to reach out to these services. They are staffed by professionals trained to provide support and intervention for those experiencing suicidal thoughts and other mental health issues. Find more expert support services here.
If a young person is at immediate risk of harm or is not safe, call 999 or take them to A&E.
The NHS is clear that a mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one. You will not be wasting anyone’s time.
What you can do to help
Stay close and stay involved
Even when expert help has been accessed you will still have a role to play in supporting the young person to follow through with the help they are offered. Let them know that you are there for them, that means for the long haul not just for the crisis or emergency.
Get help and support for yourself
Watching a young person go through a mental health crisis can be a very painful experience. There will be times when you need some support too. Make sure you have people and places to get support for yourself, and make sure you take some time out for things you enjoy.
Find out more
Learn about depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Understanding what a young person is going through can help you support them better.
Build a support network
Help the young person to connect with helpful friends, family members or support groups. A strong support network can provide additional emotional support in the short and long-term. Make sure you have a support network for yourself too.
Try to avoid these things
Don’t assume things will be ok immediately
Even when suicidal urges pass things may not be ok. From a psychological perspective, suicidal urges can vary greatly in duration depending on the individual and the underlying factors contributing to the urge.
Typically, intense suicidal urges can last from a few minutes to an hour. Crisis intervention strategies often emphasise that if a person can get through the peak intensity of their suicidal urge, the feeling may diminish. However, this does not mean that the underlying issues are resolved or that the person is no longer at risk. The immediate crisis might pass, but ongoing feelings of depression, hopelessness, or suicidal thoughts may persist and require professional treatment and ongoing support.
Don’t give up hope
We all struggle with mental health at times, and 1 in 5 of us will have suicidal thoughts in our lifetime. Things can get better with the right help and support, and you are doing great by being a trusted adult and supporting a young person towards better health.
