This page mentions suicide or suicidal thoughts. Please read with care.
If you’re having thoughts of suicide, you’re not alone — support is available right now. Talk to someone now:
- Call Samaritans on 116-123
- Text SHOUT on 85258
- Call the emergency services on 999
On this page, you will find help for if you are having a difficult time, you are worried about someone else, you’ve lost someone to suicide, or you work in suicide prevention.
I’m having a difficult time
We know how frightened you are feeling as you read this. Please be assured that you are not alone. Many people have the same sorts of thoughts, and it’s estimated that 1 in 20 people are thinking about suicide at any given time. Many of these people have reached out, as you are doing, and found help and hope.
For some people, thinking about suicide is something that lasts for a limited time. With support, these thoughts and feelings can change.
In fact, the people who have contributed to this page want you to know they have found hope in telling someone how they are feeling.
People like you who start to share their thoughts often find it helps them understand what is causing them such pain. It can also help to see what is fact and what is fiction. This can enable you to start examining the thoughts and feelings you are having, making them feel less overwhelming.
We urge you to talk to someone. Talking, even about the most difficult or complicated thoughts, can help:
- Get you through the worst moments
- Make sense of what you’re thinking and feeling
- Help you feel less alone
For more information:
- Krisis provides practical support, trusted guidance and compassionate resources for people experiencing mental health crisis, those recovering afterwards, and the people who support them.
- SAMH’s Suicide…Living with your thoughts guide will help you think through what’s keeping you alive today, and includes experiences of survivors of suicidal thoughts.
- Guide to suicidal thoughts by CALM includes information to better understand suicidal thoughts and how to deal with them.
- NHS 24 videos from people who have survived suicidal thoughts:
If you want to speak to someone now, please phone:
- Call Samaritans on 116-123
- Text SHOUT on 85258
- Call the emergency services on 999
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) 5pm-midnight on 0800 58 58 58
Anyone working in the Scottish agriculture industry can also call the RSABI Helpline on 0808 1234 555, email helpline@rsabi.org.uk or chat with them online.
Create a safety plan
A safety plan is a tool to help you navigate suicidal feelings and urges.
Complete this Safety Plan from Samaritans to remind yourself of things you can do to stay safe if you’re thinking about harming yourself.
Find out more about safety plans from Stayin Safe, and how they have helped survivors Sangeeta, Mike and Jack.
Get help with suicidal thoughts
Reaching out for support can feel overwhelming. Remember that you do not have to have all the answers or explain your experiences perfectly, what matters is starting the conversation.
You are in control of who you decide to reach out to, whether it’s someone you know and trust, or if you’d like support from a local charity or helpline.
Here are some places you can get help:
- Getting help with your suicidal thoughts from NHS inform
- Scottish Helplines for suicide prevention from The Zero Suicide Alliance
Find in-person or online support in Edinburgh in our Find Support service directory.
How to talk about mental health
Talking about your own mental health can feel difficult. You might worry about being judged, saying the wrong thing, or not knowing where to begin. But opening up, even in small ways, can help reduce feelings of isolation and make it easier to get the support you deserve.
These tips are here to help you find a way to talk about your own mental health, at a pace that feels right for you. You don’t need to have everything figured out or share more than you’re comfortable with, what matters is taking a first step and knowing you don’t have to go through things alone.
Stories of survival and hope
Hearing the voices of those who have survived suicidal thoughts may help you to find a way through.
Suicide Prevention Scotland have shared the stories of four survivors who have either lost a loved one, made an attempt or planned to take their life.
