Feeling suicidal
Question
I've been feeling really low lately and I'm finding it hard to cope. I've even found myself wanting to commit suicide and this has really scared me. I really don't know how to make things better. Where can I get help to stop myself from trying to end my life?
Answer
Feeling suicidal must be very frightening. Ultimately, only you can make a decision, but hopefully you will see a positive way forward by exploring your feelings and find out the options available to you.
Life may seem bleak at the moment, but it's important to realise you do have options. By talking about how you feel, and identifying the issues that are making you feel so bad, you may find yourself moving on from feeling suicidal. Or, you could consider seeking some form of support, to help you address your situation and what's making you question your life. Whatever you decide, please be reassured that you do not need to go through this on your own.
You don't describe your situation, but it sounds like things are very difficult for you at the moment. Feeling as low as you suggest, it must be hard to see the positive things in your life. Feeling suicidal is a very isolating experience, even if close friends and family are around. Sometimes, people find it hard to talk to people they know, as they may not understand or want the 'burden' of someone else's problems. Sometimes, it may feel like people simply do not care.
This can be frustrating as not everyone knows how to help someone who is feeling so low, or people may not even realise because they may be distracted by their own lives. However, this does not necessarily mean they don't care or cannot help. Talking to someone you know may help them understand you better, enabling them to support you more effectively.
If speaking to friends or relatives isn't an option for you and you would like to speak to someone about how you feel, without judgement and in confidence, then you can call SANELINE. This is a helpline for anyone affected by mental health problems and is available on 0845 767 8000. You could also call Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90, which is available 24-hours a day, every day. If you would prefer not to speak to someone on the phone, Befrienders International offers further support and information via email.
If you've been feeling like this for some time, it might be worth considering speaking to your local doctor (GP). Suicide, for some, may seem like the only option. However, given time and the right support, a temporary, treatable issue may well be uncovered. For example, feelings of despair, sadness, low self esteem or panic could be indicators of an underlying condition such as anxiety or depression. Such symptoms could be relieved through medication or a form of talking therapy, helping you to focus on what is making you feel so low and ease some of the pressure. Your GP will be able to advise you of the options available and help you seek the right form of treatment or support.
Alternatively, although this might seem like a radical suggestion, if you feel you are at risk of taking your own life and would like to see a professional urgently, you could visit your local hospital's accident and emergency department. There, you will be able to see a duty psychologist who will then be able to assess your needs and assist you in finding the necessary support.
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Question answered by SANE
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