Understanding suicide and self harm

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. In Buckinghamshire, this is Stoke Mandeville Hospital.

If you’re unable to do this alone, please ask someone to help you.

You can also:

• call NHS 111 and select the mental health option
• call Samaritan’s 116 123
• Bucks Safe Haven for out‑of‑hours mental health support (18 years +)
  - Aylesbury 01296 453017
  - High Wycombe 01494 218098

A mental health crisis is just as serious as a physical one you are never wasting anyone’s time by asking for help.

Suicidal thoughts refers to thoughts about wanting to die or not wanting to be alive anymore. These thoughts can range from passive (such as wishing you wouldn’t wake up) to active (thinking about ending your life), and they don’t always mean someone intends to act on them. Suicidal ideation is often linked to distress, mental ill health, or overwhelming life circumstances, and it’s a sign that support and compassionate help are needed.

Self‑harm is when someone intentionally hurts themselves as a way of coping with overwhelming emotions, distress, or feeling numb. It is not usually about wanting to die, but about trying to manage or express difficult feelings. Self‑harm is a sign that someone needs understanding, support and help, and recovery is possible with the right care.

There are many myths about suicide that can stop people from seeking help or supporting others effectively. For example:

• talking about suicide does not put the idea into someone’s head
• most people who feel suicidal do not want to die - they want the pain to stop
• asking someone directly about suicidal thoughts can reduce risk and help them feel heard

Reliable, compassionate information about suicide myths is available from Samaritans.

People may show different signs, including:

• talking about feeling hopeless, trapped or a burden
• withdrawing from friends, family or activities
• increased use of alcohol or drugs
• changes in mood, sleep or behaviour
• giving away possessions or saying goodbye

Trust your instincts. If you’re worried, it’s okay to ask.

Suicide risk can increase at times when life feels overwhelming, painful or difficult to cope with.

Situations that may increase risk include:

• struggling with mental health difficulties, such as depression or anxiety
• relationship problems, loneliness or feeling isolated
• bereavement or significant loss
• money, housing or work‑related worries
• alcohol or drug use
• living with long‑term illness, pain or disability
• experiencing major life changes or trauma

• ask directly about how they’re feeling and whether they’re thinking about suicide
• listen without judgement and take what they say seriously
• encourage professional support, such as contacting their GP or a mental health professional
• stay connected – check in regularly and help them access local services
• get support for yourself if you’re supporting someone else

If there is immediate risk, call 999.

If you’ve been bereaved by suicide, Amparo offers free, confidential support for as long as you need. Support is flexible and can be one‑to‑one, for families or groups, and delivered by phone, video, in person or in community settings.

You can self‑refer at any time, or with your consent a professional such as your GP, police or coroner can refer you.

Visit the local services and support page to find organisations in your area