Suicidal Thoughts

Some support and options

Suicidal Thoughts

Experiencing a lot of emotional pain or distress and losing hope that things can improve can lead to suicidal thoughts. It can help to talk to someone you can trust and to tell them you are going through a difficult time. You could ask if they can help you to find the support you need.

If you are feeling suicidal, there are several ways to get help:

• Talk to a GP. If it’s late in the evening, night time or the weekend, contact a GP Out of Hours Service.
• Go to the Emergency Department of your nearest general hospital if you are contemplating suicide or if you need help.
• Contact the emergency services by calling 999 or 112 if you or someone else has harmed themselves or taken an overdose.
• If you have been (or are currently) supported by a HSE Mental Health Services team, contact the service you are attending and ask for an appointment as soon as possible.
• Pieta offer support and counselling for people who have experienced suicidal thoughts.
• TheSamaritans is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone struggling to cope or struggling with suicidal thoughts. For confidential, non-judgemental support please free call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org 

When someone tells you they are thinking about suicide

When someone tells you they are thinking of taking their own life it can be very frightening. There are practical things you can do right away:

• Do your best to remove access to any means of suicide or self harm– such as medicines, a rope, etc.
• Go to or contact the Emergency Department of your nearest general hospital.
• Contact the emergency services by calling 999 or 112 if someone has harmed themselves or taken an overdose.
• Stay with them while you’re making contact with the services listed above. Do not leave them on their own.
• Once you have contacted the services, go with them to their appointment. Find out more about accompanying someone to the health services.