If you're struggling with suicidal thoughts, the charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) is there to help. They offer free, confidential support from trained professionals. You're not alone and talking to someone can make a real difference.
There’s always a reason to stay. Whether it’s hearing your favourite song again, walking your dog in the morning, or catching up with someone who gets you - small things can help you feel more connected.
Talk to CALM to find the support you need to feel better. Their helpline is open 5pm - midnight every day and staff are there to help you explore how you're feeling.
What are suicidal thoughts?
- Suicidal thoughts are thoughts about not wanting to be alive.
- They can vary in intensity - from fleeting ideas like “I wonder what it would be like if I wasn’t here” to more serious thoughts involving plans to end your life.
- If you' re having thoughts of suicide, remember they're just that - thoughts. These thoughts can feel heavy, but they don't have to define you and you deserve support.
- Anyone can experience suicidal thoughts. They can be triggered by a wide range of emotions or situations.
- Having these thoughts doesn’t mean you’ve failed or that something is wrong with you. It means you’re going through something difficult - and you deserve support.
- If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, it’s important to talk to someone and get help. You’re not alone, and there are people who care and want to help you feel better.
People experience suicidal thoughts for many reasons, including:
- A major loss, trauma or setback - like losing a loved one, a job, or facing health or financial difficulties.
- Someone close to you attempting or dying by suicide.
- Past life events, especially those involving trauma.
- Heavy drinking or substance use.
- Struggles with personal identity - such as sexuality or your role in the family.
- Feeling upset or angry without knowing why.
- Experiences of bullying or rejection, leading to low self-worth.
- Feeling alone or disconnected.
- Sometimes, there’s no clear reason at all - and that’s okay too.
Why do people have suicidal thoughts?
Suicidal thoughts often come from wanting relief, to escape emotional or physical pain, regain control or end a situation that feels overwhelming. In those moments, life can feel hopeless - and it might seem like others would be better off without you. But that’s never the case. Suicide has a devastating impact on those left behind, including family, friends and entire communities.
It might feel like there’s no way out, but there is. CALM’s helpline workers are there to listen, not judge. They can connect you with support and resources that help you feel less alone. CALM offers free, confidential help to anyone in the UK.
How do suicidal thoughts feel?
You can experience suicidal thoughts at any point in your life. They might be general thoughts about not wanting to be here, or more specific ideas about ending your life. Sometimes, when you’re feeling overwhelmed - sad, angry, panicked, or uncomfortable - these thoughts can surface briefly. That doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. In fact, fleeting thoughts like these are more common than many people realise.
But suicidal thoughts can spiral, making it hard to focus or function. If they’re happening regularly, or becoming overwhelming and difficult to ignore, it’s important to talk to someone. Speaking to a friend, family member, medical professional - or a CALM helpline worker - can help break the cycle and bring relief. You don’t have to go through it alone.
TIPS to help you cope
Taking a moment to breathe and ground yourself can be a really helpful way to quiet your brain and find some release. If you're waiting in the CALM helpline queue, this exercise can help put you in a better headspace to chat:
Box breathing. Also known as square breathing, this is a simple but effective way to regulate your breath and calm your nerves by reducing the fight-or-flight response.
Picture a square in your mind and follow these steps:
- Inhale for a count of four as you visualise moving up one side of the square.
- Hold your breath for a count of four as you picture moving along the top.
- Exhale for a count of four as you move down the opposite side.
- Hold your breath again for four counts as you complete the square.
- Repeat the cycle for a couple of minutes, focusing on the rhythm.
Talk to someone you trust. It might feel daunting, but opening up about suicidal thoughts is a powerful first step. It can help you feel lighter, more in control and start you on a path toward feeling better.
Don’t know who to speak to? The CALM helpline is there for you if you’re thinking about taking your own life. CALM helpline staff are non-judgemental and your call will be free, confidential and anonymous.
Focus on the here and now. You can’t control the future, but you can get through the next hour - and setting yourself small, achievable tasks can help things feel a little more manageable.. Tasks could be as simple as brushing your teeth or putting the washing machine on.
Where can I find help?
- You can talk to CALM from 5pm to midnight every day. Their professional helpline workers are there to talk and help you find ways to move forward. Calls and webchats are free, anonymous, non-judgemental and confidential.
- Outside of these hours, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 - a free, confidential helpline offering emotional support to anyone in distress, 24/7.
- Call NHS 111 (freephone) or 999 if your life is at risk
- Contact your GP for an emergency appointment
- Contact your local mental health crisis team (if you don’t know who they are, NHS 111 can help you).
- You can get your thoughts and emotions out of your head using CALM’s Offload Your Thoughts tool. It can help you let off steam and get some perspective on what you're going through.
- Papyrus UK – Suicide prevention support for under-35s via their free, confidential HOPELINE247 (phone, text, email, 24/7).
- Find more places to get help at the CALMZONE.
Anyone can have thoughts about taking their own life and there is nothing wrong with you if you or the person you care about is experiencing them. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts it is important that you tell someone about them and get help.
