These tips are for you if you are having thoughts of suicide and ‘in the moment.’

For more information on longer term care, see our page on Suicidal thoughts - How to cope.

• Talk to someone you trust: Share your feelings with someone like a trusted friend or relative.
• Focus on just getting through now, or today, and not the rest of your life.
• Distract yourself: Do something you enjoy, like exercising, gardening, or something creative.
• Stay around people: Being with others can help you feel safer.
• Do grounding exercises: Focus on 3 things you can see, 3 things you can hear, and 3 things you can touch. This video might help.
• Reframe your thoughts: Write down positive aspects of your life and your strengths.
• Go to a safe place where you feel secure and calm.
• Avoid drugs and alcohol: They can worsen your thoughts and feelings.
• Call a helpline: Contact the Samaritans on 116 123 or others for emotional support. See ‘What if I want to talk to someone about how I am feeling?’ below     
• Get professional help: Contact your GP or NHS 111, option 2, where you can access urgent mental health support services. Or use the NHS 111 website.   For more urgent mental health help and support options, click here. 

Remember, you are not alone. Get support and take small steps to manage your feelings.

See our webpage on Suicidal thoughts - How to cope for more detailed advice and information.

There’s a 6-minute NHS video, Coping with suicidal thoughts. If you're feeling suicidal, watching it might help you feel a bit more understood and less alone. It’s made to support you and show you that help is out there.     

What if I want to talk to someone about how I am feeling? 

If you want to talk to someone about how you are feeling, you can click here for more advice and information.

The page includes information on:

• how you can start a conversation about your mental health, and
• details of free helplines that will not judge you and are ready to be kind and listen.

Did this help?

We would love to know if this information helped you or if you found any issues with this page. You can email us at feedback@rethink.org 

How do I know I can trust this information?  

We are a trusted information creator as we are accredited by the Patient Information Forum (PIF) This short video explains why PIF accreditation is important.

Have you used AI to create this content?

Some content on this page has been created or edited using generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools. All this content has been manually reviewed and edited by a trained member of our Advice and Information team. This is to ensure accuracy and compliance with our information procedures.

© Rethink Mental Illness 2025

Last updated September 2025
Next update May 2028, subject to any changes

Version number 1.1