I have begun to see an increasing number of posts/tweets regarding self-harm and suicide, and the lack of support available to those in crisis. A lot of that is around the lack of support from GP’s. Ultimately, most GP’s are not specialised in the treatment of mental health conditions, and the reality is that they are snowed under and therefore, may potentially not perceive the level of risk some are truly at. So, I’m recycling (sort of) the post I did on Mental Health Crisis/Suicide Awareness, hoping that if we share this, it will reach to those that need the guidance. Or perhaps you recognise that someone you love is possibly at risk.

Firstly, I want to encourage open dialogue. If you are concerned about a loved one, you can ask the question. If you ask someone whether they are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, you are NOT going to plant the idea into someone’s head. You are not going to make them do it by asking the question. Though it COULD SAVE A LIFE. It could lead to an open discussion for someone that feels as though they are alone in dealing with these thoughts. You don’t have to be able to “solve” or “fix” how someone is feeling. You do not need to judge them either. What you can do, is now help them to find support, which there will be guidance for later in this post.

Are YOU or a loved one having thoughts of self-harm or suicide?

Despite your best efforts to manage your mental health, your symptoms may progress further and become overwhelming. Rather than “tough it out” or “get on with it”, please do reach out for support. Here are some ways you can tackle crisis: call your GP, have a medication review, contact other health professionals, spend time with someone who cares about you, do something nurturing for yourself, monitor your thoughts in a journal (this can be really helpful for when you get therapeutic support and identify early signs of crisis).

If you find that you don’t feel adequately supported by your GP, please don’t be discouraged. There are so many services and amazing therapists that want to support you. Below, you will find a number of crisis contact numbers. Alternatively, most local therapy services now accept self-referrals, this can be daunting, if you can ask someone you trust to go through it with you – great. If you don’t feel that you can go through this with a loved one, you can seek support with this from a professional using one of the phone numbers below.

If you are struggling to find the right service for you, it can be confusing, then let me know (message or DM me privately), I am happy to look into it and point you in the right direction.

Remember that there is a reason why you feel like harming yourself. You’re not “crazy”, there’s nothing “wrong” with you as a person, as a human being; you’ve been through, and are still going through an incredibly difficult time. But these feelings and thoughts are temporary. Where there is life, there is hope. When these feelings and thoughts occur, please, PLEASE, reach out. There are things you can do, and people that want to support you. DON’T PANIC! These feelings and thoughts will pass with the right support; they’re triggered by feelings of pain, despair and hopelessness. These feelings can be managed with appropriate intervention.

If you don’t feel that you can talk about it, try and write it down – some of the crisis services below have the option to text or message, as opposed to talking in person.

Being prepared…..

Tell someone that you trust about how you’re feeling. Although it often feels like no one cares, or no one wants to help, that’s the depression talking. People do want to support you. Speak with a close friend or family member. Speak to your GP or a mental health professional. If you cannot talk about it, write it down. Use things that have worked for you in the past. Avoid driving, drinking alcohol or taking recreational drugs. Don’t listen or watch anything that exacerbates your sadness. Have a list of numbers that you can call (see list below).

Follow your safety plan if you have made one. Being prepared in times of crisis can help you to feel some sense of control, at a time when everything feels out of your control. Make an emergency appointment with your GP or your allocated mental health professional. Go to your local A&E, they will have a team dedicated to those in need of crisis support. If there is immediate danger, CALL 999 – lots of people think that they can’t do this, but you can. If you don’t believe that you can not keep yourself safe, call them, you’re potentially in danger. If you’re worried about someone else, and are worried that they are in crisis, seek support from your local council’s social services team.

Here are some numbers that might save a precious life or a deeply loved one:

Samaritans: call 116 123

Papyrus: call 0800 068 414

SANEline: call 0300 304 7000

Crisis Text Line: text 8528

NHS Direct: call 0845 46 47

There are so many free services for those that need it, it can be scary when you are dealing with so much and don’t know where to look. Know the right places to go can make all the difference – if you need further guidance on local therapy services, I will do my best to help.

– Laura