If you’re reading this because you have, or have had, thoughts about taking your own life, it’s important you ask someone for help. It’s probably difficult for you to see at this time, but you’re not beyond help and there is a way out of the situation you find yourself in.
It may be surprising to learn that lots of people have thought about killing themselves. Common reasons and thoughts include:
- There’s no reason for me to be alive
- Killing myself is the only way I can get out of this situation or stop feeling this bad
- Nobody cares anyway
- Things will never get better
- Killing myself will finally show others how I feel
- Some people think about killing themselves even though they really don’t want to – if this is you please read my page on troubling thoughts & OCD.
Many people who have suicidal thoughts feel so bad that they think there is no way out other than to end their lives. I have spoken to a lot of people who have felt like this. They now feel so much better and are relieved they didn’t end their lives before discovering there was a way for them to be happy.
Please give us some time to try to make things better for you too.
Let someone know how you’re feeling – if you don’t want to talk to your friends or family you could speak to a professional (we speak to lots of people who have thought about killing themselves).
If you have anything that you could use to harm yourself at home please get rid of it – this will give you time to think things through even if you have sudden urges to end your life.
If you would like someone to talk to immediately try Malaysia’s Befrienders. They are a charity dedicated to offering friendly support over email, phone or face-to-face at any time of the day or night. Many countries have an equivalent organisation. For example, in the UK the Samaritans have a large, well-regarded operation to help people who are feeling troubled.
Helping someone who is having suicidal thoughts
If you’re worried that someone you know may be considering killing themselves, try to talk to them about how they are feeling. Talking to someone about their suicidal thoughts will not make them kill themselves (you can’t give someone the idea of killing themselves – so it’s ok to ask). Listening is the best way to help. Try to avoid offering solutions and try not to judge.
If there is an immediate danger, make sure they are not left on their own. If necessary get other people or their relatives to help you keep them safe.
Although talking to someone about their feelings can help them feel safe and secure, these feelings may not last. It may require long-term support to help someone overcome their suicidal thoughts. If you can encourage them to meet with a supportive professional this may help them to recover.
Any questions or comments?
Did you find this article helpful? If you have any questions on this topic write them in comments section at the bottom of this page and I’ll reply to you as soon as possible. It would also be good to read any comments or opinions you may have.
Further Information …
I’ve included some links to websites that I have found useful below.
The NHS has good information on suicidal feelings and recommendations on how to respond.
If you are in Malaysia and would like someone to talk to immediately try this charity is dedicated to offering friendly support over email, phone or face-to-face at any time.
Papyrus: Charity preventing youth suicide
The website has some good well structured advice for people feeling suicidal and their friends and family.
Mind’s (UK Charity) advice on suicide
This page gives personal stories to help other’s understand what it’s like to be considering killing yourself.
This page offers good advice about how to get through your day if you feel like killing yourself.
Is it bad to kill myself? I mean why should I be alive? There is no reason for me to be anyway.
Hi Gav, I’m sorry to hear that you feel that ‘there is no reason for you to be alive’. You must be in a really bad place right now. When we’re feeling that down it’s really hard to see a way through on our own. That’s why it can be a good idea to talk to someone. A good start is a helpline. I’m not sure where you’re based but Befrienders runs a service in Malaysia and the Samaritans do a good job in countries like the UK. When I speak to people who are thinking about killing themselves we can always find reasons why they shouldn’t kill themselves. Those reasons include not wanting to upset others, knowing that they have something to contribute to the world or society (we need more kindness in the world!), still having things that they want to do or remembering things that they used to like. However, the main reason not to kill yourself is that things can get better. It won’t feel like that now because strong emotions feel as if they’ve always been there and always will be. But things can and do get better.
But how do I tell others? I told them and they only use that to make fun of me. Even my parents made fun of me. So, tell me. Where do I go? Who should I talk to? ????
Hi Gav, it’s sad to hear that people make fun of you if you tell them you are feeling so bad. Especially if that includes your parents. Unfortunately, it’s quite common for others to respond in an unhelpful way. They may not realise how serious the situation is. Or they may not know how to help so they laugh it off instead. If you don’t have people around you who are easy to talk to you might find it good to talk to a helpline. They are good listeners and they can usually offer advice on places in your area that you could go to for further help. In Malaysia you should try our Befrienders. Their website is: https://www.befrienders.org.my/