If you’re having suicidal thoughts talking about how you feel can be incredibly helpful and a number of people can support you, depending on what you’re looking for.
Where to start
At first you might share your thoughts with someone you trust and feel comfortable with – this could be someone in your family, a friend, a teacher, doctor or other health professional.
- Try and think about it as just another conversation. Describe what's happened, how you feel and the help you need. It's best to be direct so that they understand how you feel.
- Be prepared for their reaction. People who learn that someone is suicidal can be quite shocked and emotional. Just keep talking and together you can find a way through it.
- Ask your support person to help you find support; in person, online, or over the phone.
- It's important to have support, but if you tell someone about your suicidal thoughts, you can't expect them to keep it a secret. They'll need to be able to help you stay safe and that usually means calling in extra help.
The Talk about it page on this website provides helpful tips on how you can find the words to say how you feel.