Returning to our series on mental health awareness we look at suicidal thoughts or feelings, sometimes called suicidal ideation.
Feelings and thoughts regarding suicide can be on a wide spectrum. So just because someone is feeling or thinking about this does not necessarily mean it’s something they will go on to do. Some people have these thoughts as a response to an overwhelming situation. You aren’t alone as many people have thoughts about suicide at some point in their life. Others will have less abstract thoughts about ending their life and more serious thoughts about suicide including thinking and planning the specifics of how they might carry out the act of committing suicide.
It can be very distressing to have thoughts of suicide. You may feel alone and as though nobody can really understand what you are going through. You may feel hopeless, trapped or that there is no way out of the situation you are in. You may feel shame for even having the thoughts around ending your life. But it’s important to remember that most people who find support and a way to open up about suicidal thoughts and feelings can overcome them and go on to live fulfilling lives.
This is a very brief snapshot regarding suicidal thoughts and feelings: please check out Mind’s website which includes much more information and ways to access support.
Alongside this, please contact us if you wish to speak to one of our counsellors about suicidal feelings, it’s something we are all trained to work with and an issue we explore a lot in our work with clients.
Read more on this related topic from Patient Info:
What to do if you feel suicidal during the coronavirus lockdown >
The Samaritans – support available 24/7. Visit their website: www.samaritans.org or call 116 123 FREE.
