There are many different reasons why people feel suicidal. Quite often there may be a number of contributory factors such as past experiences as well as present stresses. These, of course, will vary from person to person.
The intensity and duration of suicidal feelings also vary among different people and even in the same person at different times. Some people may have a very strong wish for death, either because they are very depressed or the future seems quite hopeless. Others may have more mixed feelings. They may see suicide as an answer to an intolerable situation, although they would not choose to die if they could find an alternative. And there are those who experience suicidal feelings that come and go but which usually seem under control. However, it is important to remember that any suicidal feelings can be life threatening, given certain circumstances.
If you yourself have been thinking about suicide and feel scared that you may act on these feelings it is important to get appropriate help or support from someone who understands what you are going through. See your GP as soon as possible and explain your feelings or phone a helpline or make e-mail contact with an organisation such as The Samaritans. It may also be a relief to talk to a close friend or relative whom you trust.
If you suspect that someone close to you is feeling suicidal, you will no doubt be feeling anxious and distressed and wondering what you should do.
You may find the following suggestions helpful.
In some cases there may be no obvious warning signs. Some people manage to hide their despair so effectively that others are quite unaware of their true feelings and a suicide attempt or suicide may seem to come 'out of the blue'. In other cases signs may include:
c/o Chris
PO Box 90 90
Stirling FK8 2SA
Helpline: 08457 90 90 90 (24 hours)
E-mail: jo@samaritans.org
Website: www.samaritans.org.uk
The Samaritans exists to provide confidential emotional support to any person, irrespective of race, creed, age or status who is in emotional distress or at risk of suicide; 24 hours a day. Can be contacted by e-mail, telephone, writing, or by visiting one of over 200 local branches (details are on the website).
Source & Support Telephone Numbers
The intensity and duration of suicidal feelings also vary among different people and even in the same person at different times. Some people may have a very strong wish for death, either because they are very depressed or the future seems quite hopeless. Others may have more mixed feelings. They may see suicide as an answer to an intolerable situation, although they would not choose to die if they could find an alternative. And there are those who experience suicidal feelings that come and go but which usually seem under control. However, it is important to remember that any suicidal feelings can be life threatening, given certain circumstances.
If you yourself have been thinking about suicide and feel scared that you may act on these feelings it is important to get appropriate help or support from someone who understands what you are going through. See your GP as soon as possible and explain your feelings or phone a helpline or make e-mail contact with an organisation such as The Samaritans. It may also be a relief to talk to a close friend or relative whom you trust.
If you suspect that someone close to you is feeling suicidal, you will no doubt be feeling anxious and distressed and wondering what you should do.
You may find the following suggestions helpful.
- * Listen, with your full attention, without giving advice or making judgements.
* Encourage the person to talk by asking 'how are you feeling?' or 'how long have you felt like that?'
* Show that you take what they are saying seriously, even if they seem to be joking about suicide.
* Avoid saying, 'Things can't be that bad,' or brushing them aside.
* Don't argue with the person but reassure them that you care about them.
In some cases there may be no obvious warning signs. Some people manage to hide their despair so effectively that others are quite unaware of their true feelings and a suicide attempt or suicide may seem to come 'out of the blue'. In other cases signs may include:
- * talking about suicidal feelings and suicide, sometimes even describing how they intend to carry out the attempt. It is a myth that people who talk about suicide don't attempt it
* talking about feeling worthless, hopeless, isolated or a failure or seeing no point in life
* a marked change in behaviour such as seeming very calm or cheerful, after a period of distress
* becoming very withdrawn and uncommunicative
* sleeping badly, losing interest in food, drinking more or taking less care of themselves.
c/o Chris
PO Box 90 90
Stirling FK8 2SA
Helpline: 08457 90 90 90 (24 hours)
E-mail: jo@samaritans.org
Website: www.samaritans.org.uk
The Samaritans exists to provide confidential emotional support to any person, irrespective of race, creed, age or status who is in emotional distress or at risk of suicide; 24 hours a day. Can be contacted by e-mail, telephone, writing, or by visiting one of over 200 local branches (details are on the website).
Source & Support Telephone Numbers