Health and Life Suicide I’m suicidal - help Photo © https://www.flickr.com/photos/wedlockpictures/ Many LGBTQ+ people feel suicidal at some point, but most of the time these difficult feelings pass, and they no longer wish to end their life. When you're LGBTQ+ life can be especially complex, but things can and do get better. Whether you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, are planning your own suicide, or are near to taking your life, there are people who can help. *If you have seriously harmed yourself, then call 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance* Whatever your situation, the Samaritans run a confidential phone line 24/7 manned by volunteers who will listen to you. It’s not religious organisation and they won’t contact the emergency services without your express permission. Samaritans UK - 116 123 Samaritans ROI - 116 123 Alternatively you can email them via [email protected] or visit them in-branch. You may feel more comfortable talking to someone who is LGBTQ+. In which case, you can contact LGBT Switchboard. The service is operated by LGBTQ+ people who may better understand what you’re going through. Switchboard - 0300 330 0630 (10am – 10pm) CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) is dedicated to preventing suicide among men. It runs a helpline as well as online webchat in the evenings, 365 days a year. CALM - 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight) Alternatively, try talking to someone in your life like a friend or a trusted person. This could be a work colleague, or your tutor at university. In all likelihood they’ll want to listen to what you’re saying. Things to do if you’re in crisis Just get through today – Try to focus on the things that you’re going to do today, not tomorrow or next week. Take it one step at a time. Take yourself somewhere safe – If being alone worries you, take yourself to the house of a friend or family member. There you can receive more support and rest in a safer environment. Avoid alcohol and drugs – It may be tempting to seek relief this way, but both alcohol and drugs can worsen your state of mind, especially if you have existing mental health conditions. Seek support – Whatever is driving your feelings, help is out there. Organisations exist that will give you support. Whether you’re struggling with bullying, drugs, debt, or depression, someone can lend a helping hand. Outside the UK and Ireland? Argentina Suicide Hotlines Armenia Suicide Hotlines Australia Suicide Hotlines Barbados Suicide Hotlines Belgium Suicide Hotlines Botswana Suicide Hotlines Brazil Suicide Hotlines Canada Suicide Hotlines China Suicide Hotlines Croatia Suicide Hotlines Cyprus Suicide Hotlines Denmark Suicide Hotlines Egypt Suicide Hotlines Estonia Suicide Hotlines Fiji Suicide Hotlines Finland Suicide Hotlines France Suicide Hotlines Germany Suicide Hotlines Ghana Suicide Hotlines Gibraltar Suicide Hotlines Hong Kong Suicide Hotlines Hungary Suicide Hotlines India Suicide Hotlines Ireland Suicide Hotlines Israel Suicide Hotlines Italy Suicide Hotlines Japan Suicide Hotlines Liberia Suicide Hotlines Lithuania Suicide Hotlines Malaysia Suicide Hotlines Malta Suicide Hotlines Mauritius Suicide Hotlines Namibia Suicide Hotlines Netherlands Suicide Hotlines New Zealand Suicide Hotlines Norway Suicide Hotlines Paupua New Guinea Suicide Hotlines Philippines Suicide Hotlines Poland Suicide Hotlines Portugal Suicide Hotlines Russian Federation Suicide Hotlines Somoa Suicide Hotlines Serbia Suicide Hotlines Singapore Suicide Hotlines South Africa Suicide Hotlines South Korea Suicide Hotlines Spain Suicide Hotlines Sri Lanka Suicide Hotlines St. Vincent Suicide Hotlines Sudan Suicide Hotlines Sweden Suicide Hotlines Switzerland Suicide Hotlines Taiwan Suicide Hotlines Thailand Suicide Hotlines Tobago Suicide Hotlines Tonga Suicide Hotlines Trinidad and Tobago Suicide Hotlines Turkey Suicide Hotlines Ukraine Suicide Hotlines Zimawe Suicide Hotlines READ: How to support a friend who is feeling depressed