CONTENT WARNING: This page and the linked resource features issues of suicide and self-harm. Please do not read if you think this might be triggering or harmful to you. If you feel you may not be safe, or are at risk of not being safe, call 999 or go to your local A&E for emergency support.

Lots of people think about suicide at some point in their lives. If you were in physical pain, you would look for a way to stop that pain. You might take some painkillers, or maybe you would talk to a doctor about it. If you’re in a lot of emotional pain, it’s natural that you would also look for a way to stop that pain.

Some people might have suicidal thoughts because they can’t see another way out of their current situation. Thinking about death can be scary for some people, but it can also be comforting. It can feel like a relief to know you have the option of a way out, even if you won’t use it.

Anybody can experience suicidal thoughts. There is no need to feel ashamed about having these thoughts, it's important that you reach out, stay strong and get the support you need.

Stay S.T.R.O.N.G!

When you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, it can be really difficult to think about things clearly. Here are 7 ways you can stay S.T.R.O.N.G whilst feeling suicidal.

Self-awareness

You are the expert in your experiences. Can you identify any changes or differences in your behaviour that may help you work out when you are feeling suicidal?

Triggers

Is there anything that increases the intensity of the thoughts you are having? If possible, make a note of these and try to avoid them, or share the information with somebody you trust.

Resilience

You may have experienced these thoughts for a while, what has helped you get this far? This may be things like your hobbies, partner, animals, friends, family, and your ambitions.

Open up

If you feel comfortable, try to speak to somebody you trust. This may be a professional but may also be somebody in your personal support network. Let somebody know how you are feeling.

Never alone

You may feel like you are on your own with the thoughts, but around 3 in 4 LGBT people accessing LGBT services have experienced suicidal thoughts before. We are here if you need us.

Get support

There is plenty of support available to help you when you are experiencing suicidal thoughts. You can reach out to anonymous helplines, use websites such as Shining a Light on Suicide, or speak to your GP. If you are experiencing crisis, you can phone 999 for immediate support.

Download the resource

for more support and advice

Additional Resources

Below are some additional recourse and places you can go to for support with suicidal thoughts. This list is not exhaustive, and it may not provide you with all the information you are looking for. If you want to speak to someone about finding additional resource, please call our helpline on 0345 3 30 30 30

• Shining A Light On Suicide - Bringing suicide out of the dark in Greater Manchester because it affects us all. Whether you’re feeling suicidal, worried someone else is, or have lost someone to suicide, you’re not alone. Whatever you’re going through, we’ll help you get the advice and support you need.

• Greater Manchester Bereavement Service - Can help to find support for anyone in Greater Manchester that has been bereaved or affected by a death. No one needs to feel alone as they deal with their grief.

• Grassroots - Provides advice on what do to if you our someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts

• Stay Alive (app) - A pocket suicide prevention resource for the UK, packed full of useful information to help you stay safe. You can use it if you are having thoughts of suicide or if you are concerned about someone else who may be considering suicide.

• Togetherall - An online service providing access to millions with anxiety, depression and other common mental health issues.

• WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) app - An app to walk you through the process of creating your personal WRAP. Use it on your own, with a friend or supporter, or in a group.

Helplines

You might not want to worry the people in your life, or maybe you have tried to reach out to someone in the past and didn’t get good a reaction. Reaching out to a helpline is a good option if you don’t want to talk to someone you know, or don’t feel able to.

There are various ways to reach out to a helpline. It doesn’t have to be over the phone - there are also helplines which allow you to reach out through online chat, email, or text. You can talk anonymously if you want to.

Find out more about our helpline here or have a look at the following helplines:

• Samaritans - Free, 24/7 access to confidential emotional support by call or email
  116 123
  0330 094 5717 Manchester and Salford Samaritans (local charges apply)

• General Manchester Mental Health Services (Out of hours) - Phone support Mon-Fri 5pm - 9am, Sat-Sun 24 hours
  01204 483 071 Bolton, Salford and Trafford
  0161 271 0450 City of Manchester

• Papyrus - For children and young people under 35 who are having thoughts of suicide
  0800 068 41 41
  07860 039 967

• Saneline - Emotional support and information to those affected by mental illness
  0300 304 7000

• SHOUT - UK's first 24/7 text support service, free on all major mobile networks
  85258 (text only)

If you feel you may not be safe, or are at risk of not being safe, call 999 or go to your local A&E for emergency support