I'm at risk of suicide
Many people struggle to cope at some point in their lives, so if you’re currently feeling this way, you’re not alone and we’re here for you. Thoughts of hurting yourself, or even taking your own life can be overwhelming and frightening, so wait. With the right support, those thoughts and feelings can change. Learn more about:
Advice to stay safe
Suicide Prevention Safety Plans
Getting help
Mindfulness
Please follow our advice below to stay safe:
Talk to someone and stay safe
Reach out for help and support. You could turn to a work colleague, a family member, a friend or a support service, but just know that there are people who care and will listen to you. Please see below the relevant contact details so you can get the support you need.
Try not to be alone
If you can, go where there are other people around and where you feel safe.
Think about the reasons to stay alive
These reasons will be personal to you, but it could be loved ones such as family and friends, pets and work. Write these down in your safety plan on the next page.
Make your safety plan
A suicide prevention safety plan is a plan that you can complete to keep yourself safe when you feel like you’re struggling or in crisis.
If you are feeling suicidal, follow this plan one step at a time. Keep the plan somewhere you can easily find it. It may be helpful to make a note (on the safety plan) that by following your plan you are giving yourself the best chance of these feelings passing. Our safety plan can be downloaded in 2 formats - flat and foldable.
Suicide Prevention Safety Plans
Getting help
Emergency support
If you feel you might want to act on suicidal thoughts, please do the following:
- Call 999
- Visit your nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E) department and explain that you are thinking of suicide
- Call 111 if you can stay safe for now but you still require urgent support.
If you need support but you don’t feel like you’re currently in an emergency situation, or in crisis, then contact Ben:
Ben’s helpline
You can chat with us online or call our helpline. It’s free & confidential and available Monday to Friday - 8am to 8pm.
Call - 08081 311 333
Email - supportservices@ben.org.uk
Chat online with us
You can also request a call back from our helpline at a time that suits you between our operating hours. Find more ways we can support you here.
National crisis support
Samaritans
Emotional support for those struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide.
Opening hours: 24/7
Call: 116 123
Calm
UK wide service for those looking to talk.
Opening hours: 5pm-midnight
Call: 0800 58 58 58
Sane
Out of hours mental health helpline for those affected and also family, friends, or carers.
Opening hours: 4:30pm – 10:30pm
Call: 0300 304 7000
Hopeline UK
Confidential support for children and those aged under 35 who are at risk of suicide, or for anyone concerned about them.
Opening hours: 9am – midnight
Call: 0800 068 4141
Text: 07860 039967
Other resources
If you are worried about someone else, please see 'I’m worried about someone else’.
Mindfulness and breathing techniques
Using mindfulness and breathing techniques can be helpful and calming:
- There are many apps out there to help you practice mindfulness. We like:
-Headspace http://www.headspace.com
-Calm http://www.calm.com
-Balance http://www.balance.com
- Breathing techniques:
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