If you are in crisis call Childline 0800 1111
If you have thoughts of suicide and low mood for a long period of time, it’s important that you ask someone for help. It’s often difficult to see, but no one is ever beyond help and you are not alone.
People who have had suicidal thoughts say that they were so overwhelmed by negative thoughts that they felt they had no other option. But support and treatment can make a real difference and the negative feelings can pass.
Young people in South Gloucestershire, who have had suicidal feelings, said:
‘When I had suicidal thoughts, I didn’t know who to go to, so I spoke to a teacher I knew for a long time.’
‘I wanted to kill myself every minute, I began to stay away from the people who made me upset and now I don’t have these thoughts. I can actually talk about what’s happened without crying now. It does get better but you have to ride it out.’
You can talk to Childline:
by calling 0800 1111
by email
through 1-2-1 counsellor chat
You can contact Childline about anything, whatever your worry, it’s better out than in.
Childline is here to help anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through. Whether it’s something big or small, trained counsellors are here to support you.
Childline is free, confidential and available any time, day or night. You can ring from any phone for free, without credit and it won’t show on your phone bill.
Reach out to someone and let them know how you are feeling.
If you have hurt yourself or think you might be about to hurt yourself call 999
- Samaritans (tel: 116 123) operate a 24 hours service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling or are worried about being overheard on the phone you can email jo@samaritans.org
- Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and won’t show up on your phone bill.
- Papyrus (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal
- Make an urgent appointment to see your GP
If you are worried about someone it’s best if you can encourage them to talk about how they are feeling. Listening can be very powerful. Asking questions can be a good way of helping the person to feel more in control but try to avoid offering solutions and try not to judge. The NHS choices website gives more advice on what you can do to help. www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Suicide/Pages/helping-others.aspx
To report any concerns about the safety or welfare of a child or young person call 01454 866000
Schools employ a range of people to look after your wellbeing. Some of the titles of these staff may vary in your school but you will be able to find out about them from a teacher.
Most schools have a nurse who either have a drop-in clinic or appointments you can make to see them. They can provide information about mental health and emotional wellbeing, and can help you access further support if this is needed.
GP – you can make an appointment to visit your doctor or a nurse at the surgery to talk about any worries or concerns you have. Call your GP surgery to speak to the receptionist or go there in person. The receptionist will probably ask you who the appointment is for and why; this is to make sure that you see the right person at the right time. You don’t have to tell them why – you can just say it’s for something personal if you like.
If you think you’ll might have difficulty discussing your mental health with your GP, you can find advice about how to prepare How to Talk to Your GP About Mental Health
CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) – these are community teams that help children and young people with serious emotional, behavioural and mental health difficulties. These services are normally accessed via GP or school; for more information go to www.cchp.nhs.uk.
Off the Record: free and confidential one-to-one and group mental health support for 11-18 year olds. Young people can sign up online or just drop in to some group sessions – www.otrbristol.org.uk, 0808 808 9120.
South Gloucestershire Talking Therapies: free support for people aged 16 and over – https://iapt-sglos.awp.nhs.uk/, 0117 378 4270. This is the gateway to a range of therapeutic interventions in line with people’s differing emotional needs. Give them a call, or you can self-refer via the website by either completing a registration form or by booking directly on to one of the introductory level psycho-educational courses.
Young people’s drug & alcohol service: free support and advice – call 01454 866000 or email ypservice@southglos.gov.uk. They’re here to help you if you feel that you need to make some changes; you may have concerns about your health, it may be affecting your relationships, costing too much or you may feel you are missing out on doing other things. They are a confidential service based within South Gloucestershire for young people that can offer the support that best fits your needs; someone to talk to, advice and information on reducing harm and on-going sessions to explore the things you’re struggling with.
Network Counselling: for ages 11 and up – all 01179507271 or visit www.network.org.uk (contribution required).
The Bridge Foundation: individual and family counselling – call 0117 9424510 or visit www.bridgefoundation.org.uk (charges apply).
Relate Avon: relationship counselling services available for young people aged 10-18 – call 0117 9428444 or visit www.relate-avon.org.uk (charges apply).
The Mix: telephone and email support for under 25’s – freephone 0808 808 4994 (1pm-11pm) Crisis Messenger 85258 www.themix.org.uk.
Get self-help: free online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) resources – www.getselfhelp.co.uk.
Reading Well; Shelf help: a list of recommended books to help young people deal with a range of issues, available in all libraries. https://reading-well.org.uk/books/books-on-prescription/young-people-mental-health