• Previous suicide attempt(s)
•  History of depression or other mental illness
•  Alcohol or drug abuse
•  Family history of suicide or violence
• Physical illness
•  Feeling alone

Any change in someone’s life can trigger or increase the risk:

• An accident or illness resulting in a change of lifestyle
• Someone you know having taken their own life
• Financial problems
• Family problems
• Little or no hope for the future
• Recent experience of failure or rejection
• A change in carer or family situation
• Difficulty accessing help
• Substance misuse
• Significant debilitating health issues (particularly chronic pain / terminal illness)
• Losing one’s home
• Social, cultural or religious isolation

Let’s talk

Here’s how to support someone experiencing suicide thoughts or behaviour

Learn to recognise the warning signs

• Watch out for changes in personality and behaviour
• People putting their affairs in order

Don’t be afraid to ask someone if they are thinking of suicide

•  This won’t make them more likely to have suicide thoughts
• It’s the most important question you can ask

Listening helps people know you care

• You don’t need to have all the answers
• Thank them for sharing their feelings with you
• Express empathy, even if you don’t understand their behaviour or point of view
• Find out more about talking about mental health here.

Keep checking-in

• Improvement does not mean that the risk of suicide is over
• Most suicides occur within three months of the onset period of ‘improvement’
• Suicide thoughts and behaviour can return at any point

Boundaries

• Never agree to keep suicide thoughts or behaviour confidential
• You may need to speak to others to ensure a person’s safety

Indicators

It can also be useful to pinpoint the following signs that may indicate someone is suicidal.

• Self-neglect or not eating
• Withdrawal from the company of others and/or refusal to see visitors or support workers
• Decrease in participation in work, education or association
• Sudden marked changes in mood or behaviour, acting out of character
• Lack of motivation
• Tidying up affairs/giving away possessions

Know what to do in a crisis

• If someone is at immediate risk of suicide, dial 999
• If someone is having thoughts of suicide encourage them to call Samaritans on 116 123, or text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above or is having suicidal thoughts and would like further information or support please contact the Samaritans who offer confidential and non-judgemental support 24 hours a day.

We also offer telephone counselling to anyone experiencing emotional distress.