Suicidal thoughts

What are suicidal thoughts?

Suicidal thoughts, also called suicidal ideation, are thoughts about ending your own life. They range from passive thoughts such as “I wish I could disappear” or “everyone would be better off without me” to more specific thoughts about dying. They usually come when emotional pain feels unbearable and no way out seems possible.

Suicidal thoughts are more common than many people think, and having them does not mean you will act on them. They are a sign of very severe distress that deserves care and attention, not shame. With support, most people who go through a suicidal crisis find that the intensity passes and that life can feel livable again.

What can lead to suicidal thoughts?

There is rarely a single cause. Suicidal thoughts often appear with depression, after a loss, a breakup or a professional failure, during long periods of stress or burnout, after trauma, with alcohol or drug use, or with chronic pain or illness. Isolation plays a major role, which is why people living far from family and friends can be especially vulnerable.

Warning signs

• Talking or writing about wanting to die, being a burden or having no reason to live
• Feeling hopeless, trapped or in unbearable pain
• Withdrawing from people, saying goodbye or giving away belongings
• Drinking more or using drugs to cope
• Strong mood changes, including a sudden calm after a period of deep despair

If you notice these signs in yourself or someone else, take them seriously and reach out for help today.

What you can do right now

• Tell someone how you feel: a friend, a family member, your doctor or a helpline listed above.
• Put distance between yourself and anything you could use to hurt yourself, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
• Do not stay alone if you feel you might act on your thoughts: call 112 or go to an emergency department.
• Remember that the most intense moments of a suicidal crisis usually pass. Getting through the next hours safely matters.

Suicidal thoughts when you live abroad

Living in another country can make a crisis harder: friends and family are far away, you may not know local emergency numbers, and explaining what you feel in a second language can be exhausting. Save the numbers above in your phone, and tell a trusted person where you live. Talking to a professional in your own language can make it easier to put words on what you are going through.

How therapy can help

Once you are safe, therapy helps you understand what led to the crisis, build a personal safety plan and treat what lies underneath, such as depression, trauma or overwhelming emotions. Approaches with good evidence include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), often alongside medical care from a doctor or psychiatrist. Our therapists see clients in ongoing therapy; they do not replace emergency services.

Helping someone who has suicidal thoughts

If you are worried about someone, ask them directly whether they are thinking about suicide. Asking does not put the idea in their head; it shows that you care and that they can talk. Listen without judging, do not promise to keep it secret if their life is at risk, help them contact a helpline or a doctor, and call 112 if the danger is immediate.

When to seek support

Now. Suicidal thoughts are always a reason to talk to someone, even if they come and go or feel “not serious enough”. In an emergency, call 112. If you are not in immediate danger, a doctor, a helpline or a therapist can help you take the next step.

This page gives general information about mental health. It does not replace a medical diagnosis, treatment or emergency care. If you are worried about your safety or someone else’s, contact emergency services.