What are suicidal feelings?
Suicidal feelings can mean having abstract thoughts about ending your life or feeling that people would be better off without you. Or it can mean thinking about methods of suicide or making clear plans to take your own life. See our pages on suicidal feelings for more information.
The type of suicidal feelings people have varies person to person, in particular in terms of:
- how intense they are – suicidal feelings are more overwhelming for some people than others. They can build up gradually or be intense from the start. They can be more or less severe at different times and may change quickly.
- how long they last – suicidal feelings sometimes pass quickly, but may still be very intense. They may come and go, or last for a long time.
Can you tell if someone feels suicidal?
Many people find it very hard to talk about suicidal feelings – this can be because they are worried about how others will react or because they cannot find the words. They might hide how they are feeling and convince friends or family that they are coping.
The Samaritans website also has a helpful page for anyone worried that someone they know is feeling suicidal. This page includes a list of warning signs that you may notice, although there might not be any signs or you might not be able to tell.
Correctly interpreting how someone else is feeling can be difficult so it's very important not to blame yourself if you aren't able to spot the signs that someone is feeling suicidal.Who is at risk of suicide?
Anyone can have suicidal feelings, whatever their background or situation in life. Suicidal feelings have a wide range of possible causes. See our information on suicidal feelings for more about possible causes.
They can be a symptom of an existing mental health problem or episode of mental distress, or sometimes a side effect of psychiatric or other medication. People may also experience suicidal feelings because of traumatic life events. When someone is feeling suicidal it is important to be aware of any medications they are taking which might be causing or aggravating these feelings.
To find out more about side effects of specific medications talk to your GP or contact NHS 111.Some people can say why they feel suicidal, but in other instances there may not be a clear reason, or they may be unable to talk about what they are feeling or experiencing.
If someone feels suicidal, their feelings may become more intense if they:
- drink alcohol
- use street drugs
- have sleep problems
Groups known to be at risk
Studies show that some groups experience higher rates of suicide than others. Statistics show that men, for example, and people from LGBTIQ+ communities are more likely to take their own lives. See our information on suicidal feelings for more information about why these groups are particularly at risk.
People can also be more vulnerable to suicide if:
- they have attempted suicide before – if someone has previously tried to end their life, there is a greater than average chance they may try to do so again in future
- they have self-harmed in the past – self-harm isn't the same as feeling suicidal, but statistics show that someone who has self-harmed will also be more at risk of suicide
- they have lost someone to suicide – people who have been bereaved by suicide are also more at risk of taking their own lives.
Suicide Bereavement Youth Support Group
Are you aged 18-25 and been bereaved by suicide?
We will provide a safe, non-judgemental and confidential space to join and meet others that have been affected by a bereavement to suicide. We offer emotional support, tips and tricks on dealing with grief as well as information on the wider Norfolk and Waveney Mind Services in an informal setting.
Taverham: Taverham Library, Sandy Lane, Taverham, Norwich, NR8 6JR running on the following dates; 23rd January, 27th February, 26th March & 30th April from 16.00 - 18.00
Suicide Bereavement Cafes
We offer a monthly one-hour bereavement café for those bereaved by suicide to meet others in an informal setting over a cuppa and cake.
Our bereavement cafe’s have been set up with the aim of offering support within the community where you can meet others who have also been affected by a death to suicide.
Offering you a place to talk with others who will understand, whilst providing you with a safe non-judgement space for
you to talk about your grief. There will be a chance, if you want to, to share your experience and your story, over a cup of tea or coffee and a piece of cake.
You will be met by a member or volunteer of the Complex Bereavement Service who will be on hand to answer any questions, offer a listening ear or signpost you to other areas of support. They are not therapy and we do not offer counselling
Everyone over the age of 18, who has been bereaved or affected by a death to suicide are welcome.
Suicide Bereavement Cafe Locations:
- Aylsham – Last Thursday of the month – 11.30 – REST Aylsham Hub, 1 Red Lion Street, Aylsham, NR11 6ER
- Norwich – Last Thursday of the month – 14.30 – REST Norwich Hub, Churchman House, 71 Bethel Street, Norwich, NR2 1NR
- Thetford – Second to last Thursday of the month – 13.00 – Breckland House, St Nicholas Street, Thetford, IP24 1BT
For more information and to reserve your cake, please either call 0300 330 5488 or email suicidebereavement@norfolkandwaveneymind.org.uk
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