Suicide is one of the main causes of death in Scotland, with two people dying by suicide each day.
Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy.
Many people who think about suicide may not want to die. They simply want the pain and difficulties they are struggling with stop.
How you can help
The best way to find out if someone is thinking about suicide is to ask them directly.
The invitation to have an open and honest conversation about their thoughts of suicide, without fear of judgement or pressure, is a great source of relief and can help prevent the immediate danger of suicide.
If someone tells you they are thinking about suicide, it’s important to know what to do next. You are not expected to know all the answers. The most important thing is to listen and to know where to get further support.
Support services
There are many local and national organisations that can help anyone affected by suicide.
NHS 24
Contact NHS 24:
- Telephone: 111 – choose the mental health option
- Opening hours: 24 hours a day
- Who it's for: Everyone
NHS 24's mental health hub has specially trained advisers and mental health nurses who can offer medical advice and help you find the right support.
Samaritans
Contact Samaritans:
- Telephone: 116 123
- Opening hours: 24 hours a day
- Who it's for: Everyone
Samaritans provide a safe place to talk. Their trained volunteers listen without judgement and help you work through what's on your mind.
Childline
Contact Childline:
- Telephone: 0800 1111
- Opening hours: 24 hours a day
- Who it's for: Children and young people under 19
Childline counsellors are there to listen and support you with anything you want to talk about.
Shout
Contact Shout:
- Text: 'SHOUT' to 85258
- Opening hours: 24 hours a day
- Who it's for: Everyone
Shout is a free 24/7 text messaging mental health support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.
You will:
- receive an automatic reply
- be connected to a trained volunteer
- communicate via text using Shout’s secure platform
Hopeline247
Contact Hopeline247:
- Telephone: 0800 068 4141
- Text: 88247
- Opening hours: 24 hours a day
- Who it's for: People under 35
Hopeline247 offers a safe space to talk by phone or text with a trained adviser. They can also help you, or someone you are worried about, to stay safe.
Breathing Space
Contact Breathing Space:
- Telephone: 0800 83 85 87
- Opening times: Monday to Thursday 6pm to 2am, and weekends between Friday 6pm and Monday 6am
- Who it's for: People over 16
Breathing Space is a confidential phone line for when you are feeling low, anxious or depressed.
Experienced advisers will listen and offer assistance at an early stage to help prevent problems from escalating.
Suicide Prevention Scotland
Suicide Prevention Scotland is a network of organisations working together to delivery Scotland’s long-term suicide prevention strategy, Creating Hope Together.
They provide information and resources for anyone affected by suicide, and those who work in suicide prevention.
ALISS directory
ALISS (A Local Information System for Scotland) is an online directory of services and groups that helps people and professionals to find and share information online, including:
- health and wellbeing resources
- services
- groups
- support in local communities and online
Stigma and suicide
Suicide prevention is often made difficult by the stigma surrounding it. Many people find it difficult to talk openly about suicidal thoughts because of fear, misunderstanding or judgement.
Stigma can lead to isolation and loneliness for people struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Practical tips
Starting conversations about suicide can be scary. Knowing how to approach them, or what to say to get someone to open up to you, isn’t easy.
Ask, tell - have a healthy conversation video
This short video offers practical tips on when and how to talk to someone you think might be feeling suicidal.
It also shows:
- how you can listen
- provides questions you can ask, and
- ways to respond that show compassion and understanding