Suicidal Thoughts

What are suicidal thoughts?

Suicidal feelings can mean having abstract thoughts about ending your life or feeling that people would be better off without you. Or it can mean thinking about methods of suicide or making clear plans to take your own life.

If you are feeling suicidal, you might be scared or confused by these feelings. You may find the feelings overwhelming.

But you are not alone. Many people think about suicide at some point in their lifetime. If you are concerned about the thoughts you are experiencing, then seek help from your GP or a medical professional.


Creating a safety plan

A safety plan is something that can be used to support you in a time of crisis, particularly when thinking about suicide. A safety plan is personal to you and has 100% input from you. Some things you might want to include in your safety plan may be:

  • How to recognise your warning signs

  • Details of your own coping strategies (what helps you cope during a time of crisis)

  • The names and contact details of anyone you know who may be able to help

  • Any helplines and listening services who can help in a time of crisis

  • Steps you can take to make your immediate environment safe

  • Details of a safe place you can go, if you need to


To make the most of your safety plan, you should complete this when you can think clearly about what you would find helpful. You may find it beneficial to complete this with someone you trust, such as a friend or family member. You could also give them a copy of your plan to keep if you find yourself in a time of crisis.

My Safety Plan

Developing coping strategies that work for you

Make a happy box

Design and create a box that you can fill with memories and items that you can find comfort in and will help to lift your mood when you are down. Your box might contain:

  • Photos

  • Inspiring quotes

  • Letters

  • Poems

  • Notes to yourself

  • A favourite book

  • A perfume

Learn your triggers

Keep a diary or a log so that you can help yourself find patterns in your mood over time. It may also offer you time to reflect on what it is that is making you feel suicidal.

There is no right or wrong way to log your feelings so just put down what feels right to you.

Write a letter to yourself

Writing a letter to yourself is a good way to remind yourself of all the positive things in your life. Try to include happy memories and people that care about you.

This can be really helpful when you are experiencing suicidal thoughts as it serves as a useful reminder that things can get better.

Make plans to look forward to

By planning to do something with either friends or family, this will give you something to look forward to and help you feel more positive about the future. Don't worry about trying to book a big holiday as what you plan can be on a much smaller scale.

You may decide to book a cinema trip or go to a music event. Why not try joining some form of a club? However 'small' your plans may feel, having something to look forward to gives your mind a focus.

Celebrate yourself

Write down your achievements and the things that you like about yourself, no matter how small you may feel they are. Your achievements could include (but are not limited to):

  • Making your own breakfast daily

  • Getting the grades you aimed for

  • Made someone smile

If someone compliments you, make a note of this and add it to your list. Whenever your mood is low, look at this list and remind yourself of how great you are.

Do things just for yourself

Regularly making time for the things you enjoy doing is a great way to look after your mental health. It could be that you give yourself some time to read a book, do a hobby you enjoy or even trying something new.

Try and incorporate time for yourself into your daily routine to create a sense of stability in your daily life.

Let others know how you're feeling

Talking to someone you trust is a really good way to regulate your emotions. Telling people what you find helfpul and letting them know when you find things difficult allows your friends or family to offer you tailored support when you need it most.

It's okay to ask for others to be with you if you need them. It may feel scary at first but letting people know how you feel is a great way to encourage positive mental wellbeing.