2 people with light skin tones, long hair and wearing casual clothes and trainers sit outside on a low wall, facing each other as though in conversation. 1 is holding a mobile phone in their hand and looking seriously at the other person.

Trigger warning: The content in this blog covers sensitive topics related to suicide and mental health. Please take care while reading.

Where to start? Keep talking

Talking about suicide can be tough and confusing, but it’s really important. Whether you’re dealing with your own feelings or supporting someone else, knowing what to do and say can make a big difference.

A recent poll by the Samaritans found that only 45% of people feel comfortable talking to family and friends about suicidal thoughts. We want to help change this. By talking more openly about suicide, we can give people the chance to express how they feel and get the support they need. It could even save a life.

We recommend checking out the Samaritans’ website for more information about WSPD, valuable information on how to offer support and what ‘being there’ for someone involves.

Find resources on MindWell

You might worry that you wouldn’t know if someone you care about is thinking about suicide. Our MindWell guide offers quick tips on spotting the signs, such as changes in behaviour, expressing feelings of hopelessness, or withdrawing from others. For more advice on how to help and support yourself visit our MindWell page, How to help someone in a crisis.

You can also download and print out our foldable resource with essential local crisis support and our digital and print posters to raise awareness about spotting the signs that someone might be struggling with suicidal thoughts.

Become a Suicide Prevention Champion

As well as resources to help you know what to do, you could also consider becoming a West Yorkshire Suicide Prevention Champion. By completing the training, you could be the difference in someone’s life. Read about our team’s experience with the program.

How are you feeling?

If you’re supporting someone who is struggling with their mental health – it’s important to be kind to yourself and look after your own physical and mental health. Find some self-care strategies and ways to take care of yourself.

Remember, you can contact helplines such as the Samaritans, CALM, Papyrus and SHOUT if you need support and someone to talk to after helping others.

  • Our foldable crisis resource: Download, print, and carry it with you – it includes essential local numbers. Or view it as a web page to translate into over 100 different languages (use the Recite Me toolbar on our website).
  • CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): Support for men feeling down or in crisis. CALM.
  • Connect helpline is a survivor-led service offering emotional support to people in Leeds. Open every night 6pm to 2am. Call 0808 800 1212 (free phone). Connect helpline.
  • Connect BSL helpline is on Mondays at 7pm to 11pm, facetime/skype/glide with BSL trained staff. Call 07984 396 001. Deaf Connect helpline.
  • Create a safety plan. A safety plan is a tool for helping someone navigate suicidal feelings and urges.
  • Feel calm or distract yourself. Use these simple techniques when things feel too much.
  • Finding the Words: A guide for talking to someone affected by suicide.
  • Leeds Suicide Bereavement Service: Support for those who have lost someone to suicide. LSBS.
  • Need Urgent Help? Visit our Need Urgent Help page for crisis numbers and safe places to go.
  • NHS 111: People experiencing mental health crisis can now call NHS 111 to access crisis services. NHS 111.
  • Papyrus HOPELINEUK: Confidential support for young people struggling with thoughts of suicide. Papyrus HOPELINEUK.
  • Samaritans: A 24/7 helpline for anyone in distress. Samaritans.
  • Shout Crisis Text Line: Free, 24/7 text messaging support. Text “SHOUT” to 85258. SHOUT.

This blog was adapted from an article in our MindWell newsletter September 2024 edition. Subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss out.