Understanding suicide

Understanding suicide

Suicidal thoughts are not unusual, anyone can have them.

Research shows one in five people in the UK have suicidal thoughts at some point in their life.

Having a better understanding of suicide can help you to help yourself and others.

If someone is thinking about suicide, getting help can prevent them from acting on these thoughts. 

Why do people feel suicidal? 

There is no simple answer as to why people feel suicidal, it is often due to a combination of difficult circumstances and feelings. 

Most people don’t want to end their lives, but may feel unable to cope with what they are experiencing and want the pain they are in to end.

This pain can feel as real and intense as physical pain. This can be helpful to remember when trying to understand why someone might be feeling suicidal. 

Will someone always feel suicidal?

Some people only experience suicidal thoughts briefly. Others may think about suicide for longer, or find that suicidal thoughts come and go.

It is common for people to believe they will always feel this way, but things can change. With support, people who have suicidal thoughts can go on to live long and happy lives.

Why is it so hard to talk about suicide?

Suicide is often surrounded by stigma. This comes from a lack of understanding, and it can deepen people’s feelings of shame and isolation, whether someone is feeling suicidal or has lost someone to suicide. 

Stigma can stop people from getting the help they need. That’s why it’s important that we all try to increase understanding and tackle the stigma around suicide.

If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, get some help. Talking about it will not make the situation worse. If you are supporting someone it can be distressing, so remember to look after your own wellbeing too.

Pictured: Nat Carmichael founded The Nest in Cumnock, East Ayrshire after very difficult experiences in her own life.

Ask, Tell - Save A Life

This Ask, Tell - Save a Life animation explores the issue of suicide, including statistics and facts about suicide in Scotland.

It will help you to understand the signs that may indicate when someone is thinking about suicide, and provides guidance on how and when to help and support someone.