Everyone thinks you're fine. You don't want to worry them. They have enough to worry about. You're convinced telling someone you love or trust about your suicidal thoughts would make them treat you differently or see you as a burden.
It won't. You are not a burden. You are loved by more people than you realise who would be devastated if you weren't here tomorrow.
Please read that again.
Life is stressful and at some point, almost everyone wishes they didn’t exist but for most people, the feeling passes quickly and they can get on with dealing with the situation they’re in.Â
However, for some people, these thoughts linger and become persistent and cause a lot of pain and distress to the person experiencing them. If things become overwhelming and they are struggling to cope, suicide can seem like a solution to, or least an escape from, their problems.
The most important thing to know is that these feelings can be overcome and there are lots of coping skills you can learn to deal with life’s ups and downs.
Talking it out
While it can seem very difficult, intimidating or even overwhelming to tell someone about how bad you are feeling, saying the words out loud is the first step in getting the help you need from your friends, family, people close to you or the various services available, like Childline Listening.
Mental health services and supports, and suicide prevention hotlines have come a long way in the past few decades but, for some people, there is still a stigma attached to admitting or even talking about how low and depressed and hopeless they may be feeling.
That’s why it has never been more important to reach out and talk to someone if you are feeling suicidal and need help. We have all been through so much since 2020 and speaking out about how you’re feeling may help someone else in your life reach out for help too.
- Don’t let shame, fear or embarrassment keep you from seeking help.
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- Talk to someone you trust – a close friend or family member who is good at listening.
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- Depending on how you are feeling, call Childline, your GP or 999 / 112 in the case of an emergency.
Having suicidal thoughts can be an extremely lonely and scary experience. Talking to someone close to you or to a Childline volunteer, online or on a phone call, can be the first important step to getting the help you need.
How Childline and ISPCC can help
The ISPCC is committed to helping you and your families deal with difficult feelings by listening, empathising and supporting you, not just via the Childline Listening service (online – childline.ie and phone – 1800 66 66 66), but also through the Childline Therapeutic Support Service.
If you’re feeling scared or worried about yourself or a family member, we’re always here to help.
