“Life can feel like a constant battle, with school, relationships, and figuring out who you are. Some days, you’ll feel like a warrior, ready to take on anything, but other days, you’ll feel like a tired soldier, needing a break. But it’s okay if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Take the time to rest and recharge, and know that every morning brings a fresh start, a chance to find the strength within yourself to face the world. You’ve got this!”
From The Source Team
Trigger warning – some of the issues discussed on this page might be triggering.
On this page we cover:
- Signs someone is feeling overwhelmed
- Where to get help and support
- Could you be a life saver?
- Resources
1 in 5 people have thought about suicide at some time in their life, according to the Samaritans – Myths about Suicide
“Life can be painful, and sometimes this can cause us to have suicidal thoughts. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
What are the signs that someone is having suicidal thoughts or feelings?
They may say these sort of things:
- “Sometimes I feel like I just want to die”.
- “I’m worthless”.
- “There’s no reason for me to live”.
- “You’re better off without me”.
- “If I died, would you miss me?”
- “I’ll try anything, I’m not afraid to die”.
They may say mixed messages like “I want to kill myself…but I wouldn’t do this to you.”
They may do these sorts of things:
- Giving away things most valuable to them.
- Self-harming.
- Drinking more or taking drugs.
- Making funeral arrangements/saying goodbyes.
- Suddenly ‘recovered’ after a period of depression.
They may seem:
- More happy or active than usual
- Feeling more optimistic
They maybe feel more optimistic as they can see an “end” in sight.
Males are less likely to talk about their feelings
This Childline campaign video ‘Things guys don’t talk about’ helps to spread the word to young men about seeking support if they are struggling.
What should I do, and where can I get support?
Trying to ‘pull yourself together’ or ‘man up’ doesn’t always work.
The best thing to do if you’re struggling is to talk to someone.
If you can’t talk to your mates or your family, you can get anonymous and confidential support from the following places:
- NHS Mental Health Crisis Support Line, call 111 and press the mental health option (24/7, for anyone of any age)
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) for boys and men who are struggling and need to talk. Call 0800 58 58 58 (Open every day from 5pm – Midnight) They have Webchat available on their website.
- Kooth online emotional wellbeing service for young people aged 11 to 25.
- SHOUT Crisis Textline – Text ‘shout’ to 85258 (24/7)
- Childline – Call anytime on 0800 1111
- Hopeline (PAPYRUS) – Call 0800 068 41 41 Or text 07786 209697. (Open Mon-Fri 10am to 10pm, Weekends 2pm to 10pm.)
Make a Safety Plan
A safety plan is a simple guide to help you stay safe when you feel overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, or low.
It’s like a “first-aid kit” for your mind and wellbeing.
You can make a safety plan for yourself or with a trusted adult.
Why Make a Safety Plan?
- It helps you know what to do when things feel tough.
- It reminds you who you can talk to and what helps you feel better.
- It gives you steps to keep safe and how others can help support you.
How to Make Your Own Safety Plan
Try using Childline’s Safety Plan or Trusted Youth Allies Safety Plan
You can also look at Kooth and their Safety plan support.
“Could you be a life saver?”
See our four steps below to help someone.
1. Don’t be afraid to talk to them about it
“Talking about suicide will not make it happen!”
Things you can say:
- “Are you OK?” – Ask twice as people tend to say
okay automatically at first. - Just listen to them without judging.
- Ask questions to find out why they feel this way.
- Reassure them that these feelings won’t last and they can get over these feelings.
- Help them find somewhere they can go to get support.
How to respond:
- Avoid using phrases like “it will be ok” as this can seem dismissive and invalidating – just listen to them.
- Even if they tell you not to tell someone – tell someone. You will feel a lot better for it, and what’s worse someone dying and not being able to talk to them again, or someone being angry at you for a few days.
“Even though it’s hard to share how someone feels, it will be more helpful for both of you in finding support if you do share it”
What if the person your concerned about doesn’t want to get help?
You can’t force someone to get help but you can encourage them.
- Speak to a trusted adult to get advice
- Tell the person – “Its really positive that you’ve taken this step in telling me. I may need to tell someone that I trust so that we can get you the best help.”
2. Be Kind – don’t bully!
Young people who bully others or who are bullied are more at risk of suicide. Bullying causes people to feel suicidal so don’t do it.
Being kind to others saves lives.
3. Know what to do if someone is threatening to take their life
If someone is feeling suicidal or talking about taking their life, take it seriously.
You should:
- Take them to your local hospital’s emergency department (A & E)
- Make an urgent visit with them to see a GP
- Drop in to a local Samaritans branch (based in Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds)
- Call the NHS Mental Health Crisis Support Line, call 111 and press option 2
If they are in immediate danger, you should:
- Call 999 – Stay with them or keep talking to them on the phone until help arrives.
- Don’t leave them alone.
- Always remember to put your own safety first when helping someone.
#120 seconds – Alex 19, above talks about struggles with suicidal feelings. Alex is now a #iwill Movement Champion at Volunteering Matters, champion opportunities for young people to be able to thrive in their community.
4. If they’re distressed, find ways to distract them
A good way to do this is by using the ‘5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique:
- Name 5 things you can see around you.
- Name 4 things you can feel (clothes, warm, cool, breeze, touch)
- Name 3 things you can hear right now.
- Name 2 things you can smell (or, 2 things you like the smell of)
- Name 1 thing that you like to taste
Get them to focus on their breathing – close your eyes and inhale through your nose, slowly counting to four.
Hold your breath for another four seconds and then release your breath counting four seconds.
Or breathe to the TikTok below.
Losing someone to suicide
Support if you are a young person under 18
If you are a young person who is struggling to cope with the loss of a friend or relative by suicide, there is support out there.
Contact the Suffolk Mind Bereaved by Suicide Service, which offers free and confidential support to all children and young people in Suffolk under 18 years old.
If you live in Lowestoft and Waveney, please contact Norfolk and Waveney Mind Charity for support.
Resources
Useful wellbeing apps:
Leaflet:
Schools and organisations can download our Source ‘Feeling Overwhelmed Young Suicide Prevention Z-card below. (See our ‘Resources‘ page for more wellbeing resources) You can request hard copies of the z-card by emailing [email protected]
Page updated on April 29th, 2026 at 12:42pm