Suicide warning signs 

Suicide is rarely completely out of the blue, but the signs are not always obvious at the time. When someone is struggling, their words and actions can give clues that they may be thinking about taking their own life.

A person might be at risk if they: 

• Talk about wanting to hurt themselves or end their life 

• Mention death, dying, or suicide in conversation or writing 

• Try to find ways to take their own life, such as stockpiling medication. 

Signs to look out for: 

Everyone is different, but there are some common warning signs that someone may be feeling suicidal: 

• Talking about suicide – They may say things like “I don’t see the point anymore,” “You will not have to worry about me much longer,” or “I just want it all to stop.” 

• Looking for a way to end their life – Searching online for methods, or trying to access medication, or other means 

• Becoming preoccupied with death – A noticeable increase in talking or thinking about dying, violence, or suicide 

• Having no hope for the future – Expressing a sense of being trapped, believing nothing will improve, or feeling like there is no way forward 

• Self-hatred or guilt – Saying they feel like a burden, worthless, ashamed, or full of regret 

• Getting their affairs in order – Making a will, giving away personal possessions, or making arrangements for loved ones 

• Saying unexpected goodbyes – Reaching out to people they have not spoken to in a while, or saying goodbye in a way that feels final 

• Withdrawing from others – Pulling away from friends, family, or social activities, and preferring to be alone 

• Engaging in risky or self-destructive behaviour – Drinking more than usual, using drugs, driving recklessly, or taking unnecessary risks 

• A sudden sense of calm – Sometimes, after a period of deep distress, a person may suddenly seem at peace—this can be a sign that they have decided to end their life. 

How you can help 

If you are worried about someone, the most important thing you can do is let them know you are there for them. Encouraging them to open up about how they are feeling can make a real difference. 

It is completely understandable to feel nervous about bringing up suicide, but asking someone if they are having thoughts of ending their life will not put the idea in their head—it shows you care and gives them the chance to talk. 

You could start the conversation with something like: 

• “I have noticed you have not been yourself lately. Do you want to talk about it?” 

• “I am really concerned about you. Are you okay?” 

By speaking openly about suicide, we help to break the stigma and make it easier for people to seek support. 

If you would like to feel more confident in supporting someone who is struggling, consider taking the Zero Suicide Alliance (ZSA) training on how to talk to someone experiencing suicidal thoughts. 

This page was created using information from ZSA suicide warning signs. 

You can view their resources and complete short training courses on the Zero Suicide Alliance (ZSA) website.

When someone experiences suicidal thoughts, it often stems from deep emotional pain rather than a true desire to die. These feelings can feel overwhelming and isolating, but knowing that they do not have to last forever is important. With understanding and support, it is possible to find relief and hope.  

What causes suicidal feelings? 

There is not always a single reason, but some common contributors include:  

• Stressful life events: a major loss, breakdown in a relationship, or financial pressure can feel impossible to manage 

• Mental health struggles: Conditions like depression, anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), or bipolar disorder can distort thoughts and emotions, making everything feel heavier 

• Hopelessness: Feeling stuck or believing that nothing will improve can make tomorrow seem out of reach 

• Trauma or abuse: Emotional, physical, or sexual trauma may lead to shame or inner pain that feels too much to bear 

• Isolation: A lack of connection with others can make someone feel invisible and unsupported. 

Sometimes a combination of these factors can intensify feelings of despair. Look out for changes in behaviour or mood, even if someone seems to be “functioning” day-to-day.  

What suicidal feelings might feel like  

People often describe suicidal feelings as:  

• Being trapped in emotional pain with no way out 

• A deep exhaustion where even small tasks feel impossible 

• Guilt, shame, or a belief that they are a burden to others 

• Feeling detached or disconnected, as if they are no longer part of the world around them.  

Remember, everyone’s experience is unique. Suicidal thoughts can come in waves, and being there when someone needs to talk, even briefly, can make all the difference.  

A few things to keep in mind  

• It is ok to talk about it: Suicidal feelings do not need to be hidden. Reaching out to someone you trust, like a friend, family member, or professional, can help reduce the sense of isolation 

• Feelings can, and do, change: When overwhelmed, it can seem as though the pain will last forever, but emotions are fluid. Many people who have struggled with these feelings have gone on to lead meaningful, fulfilling lives.  

What can loved ones and friends do to support them?  

If you are supporting someone who might be feeling suicidal, here is how you can help:  

• Listen with compassion – Let them speak freely without interrupting or trying to solve their problems immediately. Sometimes, being heard is enough to reduce the intensity of their feelings 
• Validate their feelings – Phrases like “I can see this is so difficult for you” or “It’s okay to feel this way” can provide comfort. Try to avoid comments like “You’ll be fine” or “Just think positive thoughts,” as these can feel dismissive to the person who may be in distress 
• Be present – Even small gestures like sitting with them or sending a thoughtful message—can reassure them that they are not alone 
• Help them seek support – Offer to help them contact their GP, access mental health services, or reach out to a helpline. Going with them to appointments can be invaluable if they are nervous or unsure.  

Remember, things get better — even if it feels far away right now.

Suicidal feelings do not define someone, and they are not permanent. You are not alone, and things can change. With kindness, support, and professional help, there is a way through.  

• If you are struggling: Take it one small step at a time. Do not be afraid to let someone know how you are feeling—you do not have to face it on your own
• If you are supporting someone: Your kindness, patience, and willingness to listen can be a lifeline. Let them know that you care and that you will help them find a way forward.  

Local crisis support services

Please reach out to the contacts below for urgent local support:

• Mental Health Crisis Line: Freephone 0800 328 4444.

Available 24/7. Our trained team is here to support you.

• Walk-In Centres / Safe Spaces

For Ealing residents

Safe Space Ealing, The Lido Centre, 63 Mattock Lane, W13 9LA

Call 0207 471 0583 and please leave a message; they will get back to you.

• Phone lines are open from midday to 10:30pm
• Workshops are open from midday
• Drop-in times are from 3pm to 7pm
• Appointment only 7pm to 10:30pm.

Visit the Ealing Safe Space website. 

For Hounslow residents

Unit 27, Ground Floor, Treaty Centre, 44 High Street, Hounslow, TW3 1ES.

Call 0207 471 0584 and please leave a message; they will get back to you.

• Drop into the Safe Space between 3pm to 7pm, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, or book an appointment
• Phone lines are open from midday to 10:30pm
• Workshops are open from midday
• Drop-in times are from 3pm to 7pm
• Appointment only 7pm to 10:30pm.

 Visit the Hounslow Safe Space website.

For Hammersmith and Fulham residents:

Safe Space Hammersmith and Fulham, 309 Lillie Road, SW6 7LL

Telephone: 0207 471 0582. Their phone line is open from midday to 10.30pm. You can also leave a message and they will get back to you.

• Drop into the Safe Space between 3pm to 7pm, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, or book an appointment
• Phone lines are open from midday to 10:30pm
• Workshops are open from midday
• Drop-in times are from 3pm to 7pm
• Appointment only 7pm to 10:30pm.

Visit the Hammersmith and Fulham Safe Space website.

Help for specific groups

Children and Young People

• CAMHS

Ealing

Ealing CAMHS, 1 Armstrong Way, Southall, UB2 4SD

Telephone 020 8354 8160 or visit their webpage.

Hammersmith and Fulham

48 Glenthorne Road, Hammersmith, W6 0LS

Telephone: 020 8483 1979 or visit their webpage.

Hounslow

Ground Floor, Heart of Hounslow Centre for Health, 92 Bath Road, Hounslow, TW3 3EL

Telephone: 020 8483 2050 or visit their webpage.

• Kooth (online counselling)

Visit the Kooth website.

Veterans

• Combat Stress:

Call their free 24/7 helpline: 0800 138 1619 or visit their website.

• Veterans’ Gateway: 

Call them Monday to Sunday between 8am to 8pm: 08‍08 80‍2 12‍12

• LGBTQ+ Support:

Find useful contact details here or visit the Zero Suicide Alliance (ZSA) website for more information.

Resources for family and friends

Helping someone you care about

If you are worried about someone, find practical advice from the websites below:

• Mind
• Zero Suicide Alliance (ZSA)
• The Samaritans
• Shining a Light on Suicide.

Tools for self-help

We've listed some NHS-approved and downloadable apps on your mobile device to help you cope here:

• The Stay Alive app (crisis management tool) includes:

- A safety plan with customisable reasons for living

- A Life Box where you can store photos and memories that are important to you

- Strategies for staying safe and tips on how to stay grounded when you’re feeling overwhelmed

- Guided breathing exercises and an interactive Wellness Plan

• Calm Harm (for managing self-harm urges)

- Get self-help.

• Hub of Hope

The Hub of Hope is a service provided by the charity called Chasing the Stigma. It is more than just another mental health app, it’s a gateway to recovery.

If you or a loved one is struggling with any mental health concern, we urge you to start with the Hub of Hope to find the most relevant and readily available support near you when you need it.

Explore online mental health support

Local Talking Therapy services:

Ealing

Telephone: 020 3830 5640

Visit the Ealing talking therapies website.

Hammersmith and Fulham

Telephone: 0300 123 1156

Visit the Hammersmith and Fulham talking therapies website

Hounslow

Telephone: 0300 123 0739

Visit the Hounslow talking therapies website.

National helplines and charities

Get support anytime, anywhere by reaching out to:

• Samaritans: Call 116 123 (available 24/7)

• Charity Against Living Miserably (CALM): Call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm to midnight)

• Papyrus Hopeline UK: 0800 068 4141 (available 24/7)

• Shout (Text Support): Text SHOUT to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line, or text YM if you're under 19 (available 24/7).