Supporting people in crisis
Supporting people who are struggling with suicidal thoughts can feel overwhelming, but there is a lot of support and guidance you can access to help you help them.
Practical ways you can help
1.
Need urgent help?
If someone is experiencing a mental health crisis for the first time they should contact their GP or NHS 111 option 2. If they are in Milton Keynes they can call the CNWL Urgent advice line by phoning 0800 0234 650 (Freephone) or emailing cnw-tr.mkspa@nhs.net.
They can also call Samaritans on 116 123, or visit a Mind BLMK’s Crisis Café for support.
If someone’s life is in immediate danger, dial 999 and ask for police or ambulance. Stay with the person until help arrives if you can and if appropriate, help them to a safe location.
2.
Create a Safety Plan
A safety plan is a helpful tool to support someone struggling with suicidal thoughts, feelings and urges. Having a safety plan in place is practical way to check-in and support someone you are worried about. For guidance on creating a safety plan visit Staying Safe on the link below.
3.
Look After Yourself
If someone shares thoughts about suicide it can feel distressing and overwhelming. It is important to look after yourself as well as them. Accessing support services or talking to someone you trust about how you feel might be helpful.
Start a conversation
You do not need to be a health professional to be able to listen to someone who may be struggling.
Helpful guides to read
Although talking about mental health and suicidal thoughts it is a difficult conversation, it’s an incredibly important one, and something that can be really helpful for people who are struggling.
There is no evidence to suggest that talking about suicide is harmful, in fact, many people who have had suicidal thoughts and feelings have shared how it much it has helped being able to talk openly and honestly about how they are feeling. You can find guides to having the conversation below:
Find support
Search here for useful local and national services. You can filter by location or type of service.
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Suicide Prevention training saves lives
Find out more about the different Suicide Prevention Training available from both local and national services, and how you can access it.