This interactive 15min video walks you through talking to someone who is feeling suicidal. Click watch now and then scroll down to the interactive video on the page that opens.
This interactive 15min video walks you through talking to someone who is feeling suicidal. Click watch now and then scroll down to the interactive video on the page that opens.
Discussing depression and suicide with someone can be daunting but it is important to remember that you don’t need to have answers or solutions. Listening is the most important skill here.
Mention what is concerning you. You have likely noticed changes in your beneficiary’s behaviour. Point out the changes and ask what’s going on.
Don’t be afraid to ask someone if they are feeling depressed or have been thinking about suicide. Many people fear that mentioning suicide could make things worse by putting the idea into someone’s head. In fact, the opposite is true. Asking the question may open the door for someone to tell you how they are truly feeling. You could say: “It sounds like you are really struggling with some tough stuff. Are you feeling so bad that you’ve thought about suicide?”
There is no perfect script for this tough conversation. It can be difficult to hear how much a person is suffering, and you feel like you don’t know how to respond. Remain calm, be supportive, and reassure your beneficiary that help is available. They do not have to deal with it alone, see the resource list below.
Sussex Mental Health Helpline (open 24/7)
☎ 0300 5000 101
A telephone service providing support and information to anyone experiencing mental health problems including stress, anxiety and depression.
Mental Health Rapid Response Service (after 5pm Mon-Fri and 24 hours at weekends)
☎ 0300 304 0078
For people needing support in a crisis when other services are closed.
Rethink Mental Illness SOS (open 9am-5pm Mon-Fri)
☎ 01273 709 060
The SOS (survivors of suicide) service offers confidential one-to-one and telephone support to people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts or have recently attempted suicide.
Samaritans 24/7
☎ 116 123
GMMH 24-hour helpline operates 7 days a week.
☎ 0800 953 0285
The Greater Manchester mental health helpline provides support If you are worried or anxious about your mental health or feeling as though you are in a mental health crisis and need urgent support and help.
SANEline – (4pm – 10pm, 7 days a week)
☎ 0300 304 7000
A national out-of-hours mental health helpline offering specialist emotional support, guidance, and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including family, friends, and carers.
SHOUT (text helpline) – (24/7)
Text SHOUT to 85258