Suicidal thoughts can be complex, frightening and confusing.
We’re not afraid of going into difficult areas with you, and we’ll take you seriously whether you’re having a few suicidal thoughts or have made clear plans to end your life.
Call us now for free on 116 123
More about calling us
I want to die. How will talking help me?
We’re experienced in listening to people with suicidal thoughts, feelings and plans and are here to support you:
- when you’re desperate or on edge, we can help you get through that moment
- we’ll help you make sense of what you’re feeling
- we can identify other forms of help if you think you want it.
They are there when all your friends are asleep and you are alone in the world, full of thoughts.
Samaritans Caller
Am I suicidal?
You might be experiencing some of the following suicidal thoughts and feelings:
- feel sure that you want to die
- desperately want a solution to your nightmare and can’t see any other way out
- don't care if you live or die and are taking more risks or living recklessly
- don't actively want to kill yourself but would welcome death if it happened. You might view death as a release or way of taking control
- don't know why you are having suicidal thoughts or suicidal feelings, and are completely powerless to know what to do about it.
We can talk with you through all of this.
Will you stop me killing myself?
We hope that, through talking to us, you’ll get to a place where you see your situation in a different light.
If you are not a child or adult at risk, we respect your freedom to make your own decisions, including the decision to take your own life. We’ll continue to talk with you if you’ve taken action to end your life.
Will you tell anybody I’m suicidal?
In most situations and for most people we are a confidential service and we won’t ever tell anyone about our conversation, or even that you called, unless you ask us to. However, there are important exceptions to this.
We won't call emergency services, except for in these circumstances:
- You ask us to, and you’re unable to call for yourself
- You’ve already told us your address, location or phone number, and then become incoherent or unconscious during the call
- You’re in one of our branches, and you’ve harmed yourself in a way that puts you in danger at that time
- You are a child or an adult at risk
- Your situation fits one of the reasons why we cannot maintain confidentiality
You can read more about these exemptions in our safeguarding policy.
What if I don't want to talk on the phone?
There are other ways to contact us if you prefer not to talk on the phone.
Call us
Whatever you're going through, call us free any time, from any phone, on 116 123.
Benefits
- Free
- One-to-one
- Open 24 hours a day
Maybe not if...
- You have patchy phone signal
- You prefer to write things down
- You're looking for advice
Call us any time, day or night 116 123
Visit a branch
Speak to a Samaritan face-to-face
Benefits
- Meet face-to-face
- Safe branch environment
- Branches all around the UK and ROI
Maybe not if...
- You need urgent support right now
- You need support outside opening hours
- You prefer to stay anonymous
Write a letter
Sometimes writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you better understand them.
Benefits
- Free
- Time to compose your thoughts
- Time to reflect between letters
Maybe not if...
- You need urgent support right now
- You have no fixed address
- It's hard for you to post a letter
Write to us
Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS
Email us
Sometimes writing things down and taking some time to reflect can help you understand them better.
Benefits
- Time to compose your thoughts
- No need to respond right away
- Work things through over time
Maybe not if...
- You need urgent support right now
- You want to talk things through in one go
- You want to speak to the same person throughout
[email protected]
Response time: It may take several days to get a response by email