By Alexander Naylor
Since the COVID pandemic in 2020, more than 5000 people a year have died by suicide in the UK, and this number is rising (Office for National Statistics, 2023). Many people will experience suicidal thoughts at some point in their life, with current estimates being that at least a quarter of adults in the UK have experienced thoughts about ending their lives (NHS, 2024). Having suicidal thoughts is nothing to be ashamed of and it’s important to talk about them.
People end their lives by suicide for many different reasons. Some people think that only people with a diagnosed mental health condition end their lives, but this isn’t true. Research suggests that of the 17 people a day that die by suicide in the UK, only 5 will be under the care of a mental health team (NHS, 2025). Factors like debt, unemployment, social isolation, family & relationship breakdowns, and substance misuse can greatly increase the risk of someone experiencing suicidal thoughts, or ending their lives.
It’s important for everyone to know how to help themselves or loved ones if they are experiencing suicidal thoughts and to know that suicide is not the answer. Personally, I have experienced the loss of a close family member from suicide and the devastating impact of suicide on the people around the person who has died cannot be easily explained. People I speak to in my work as a mental health clinician often say to me that they feel like a burden, and that life would be easier on their family and friends if they weren’t around. This is untrue, and I know this first hand. When I speak to people who have lost a family member or a friend to suicide, they always tell me how they wish their loved one had reached out and how hard it is to recover from losing someone to suicide.
With September being Suicide Prevention Month, it seemed suitable to talk about what resources are out there for people experiencing suicidal thoughts, and to normalise that these thoughts are common – we don’t have to listen to them!
It can be helpful to have a crisis toolbox at the ready, so that you know exactly what to do when you experience suicidal thoughts. This may include having a list of people you trust who you can text or call for emotional support. Some people also find it helpful to have a list of activities they find comforting or enjoyable to focus on while they are experiencing these thoughts. For example, some people may like to cuddle their pets, go for a walk, listen to music, play a video game, have a bath, attend a religious or social gathering or even curl up in bed with a book or a comfort TV show. It doesn’t have to be complicated, it’s just about having something easy and calming to focus your attention on until the suicidal thoughts pass. More long term, it can be helpful to put together a memory or gratitude box or book – fill it with good things that have happened or photos of the people you love, or even some goals for the future that you want to work towards. It’s important to remember that suicidal thoughts are temporary, and that if we are able to remind ourselves of the people or things that keep us going, it can help to ground us while the storm passes.
There are many organisations out there that have been created to support people experiencing suicidal thoughts. For example, the Samaritans are a fantastic charity that offers 24/7 telephone support for anyone who needs to talk. You can contact them on 116 123. If you prefer to text someone, SHOUT can be reached via text 24/7 on 85258. If you’re under 35, you can contact PAPYRUS on 0800 068 4141 which offer 24/7 telephone support for young people experiencing suicidal thoughts. Regardless of where you live, there will be a local mental health crisis team that you can contact. If you call 111, you can ask to be put through to your local crisis team who can talk to you about what support you might find helpful. If you think you would benefit from psychological therapy, like Counselling or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, you can self-refer to your local NHS Talking Therapies Service. You can find your local service here: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/find-nhs-talking-therapies-for-anxiety-and-depression/. If you feel you can no longer keep yourself safe, you can call 999 or attend your local A&E.
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please reach out to the people around you, or the many organisations I’ve mentioned above who can support you. Suicide is NEVER the answer. Your pain is real, but it is temporary, and it will pass. There is always hope for a better future.
Sources:
NHS, 2024. Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing 2023/24. Chapter 4: Suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts and non-suicidal self-harm – NHS England Digital
NHS, 2025. Staying Safe from Suicide. NHS England » Staying safe from suicide
Office for National Statistics, 2023. Suicides in England and Wales. Suicides in England and Wales – Office for National Statistics