Suicidal thoughts are where a person has thoughts about intentionally ending their life. If you have been experiencing thoughts of suicide, it’s important that you seek support and do not ignore how you feel.  

Have you taken steps to end your life?

If you have done anything to hurt yourself already, please seek emergency support immediately - emergency contacts 

In case of overdose, you must seek immediate medical help for an ambulance, even if you do not feel unwell. The effects of an overdose can be delayed by hours (even days) and can be fatal.

Getting Support

Having thoughts of suicide can be distressing, but there are things that can help you to feel more in control and feel better.

You may feel that suicide is the only option – this is not the case, there are always options and getting some support can help you to see these options and to feel differently from how you may feel at the moment.

If you are having thoughts about suicide, please talk to someone. There is help available from your GP, from Wellbeing and Student Support and from the organisations listed below. There is lots of support available both on and off campus - please visit emergency contacts

Talking to your doctor

You can talk to the GP about your mental health, as well as your physical health. This video is about how to talk to your them if you are not sure what to say, or why. Conversations with your doctor will be confidential.

Talk to us in Wellbeing and Student Support

Wellbeing and Student Support is open during office hours (9am-5pm Mon-Fri). You can approach us for a consultation any working day between 10am and 3pm, either online or in Senate House. We will help you and make sure that you are safe. We can look at support for your mental health within the university as well as through external services such as the NHS. To access a consultation, please visit the Wellbeing Portal.

Suicide prevention and safety planning support

The following are organisations offering support with how you feel and with things you can do to help keep yourself safe if you are having suicidal thoughts. This is known as safety planning.

• Samaritans call 116 123 (24hrs)
• Shout (Free, 24/7 support for people in crisis). Text SHOUT to 85258
• Papyrus (young suicide prevention society) call 0800 068 4141 (9am – midnight every day of the year (Weekends and Bank Holidays included)
• Togetherall (24/7 online and anonymous support for mental health). Sign up with your Warwick email address
• Stay Alive App The Stay Alive App is a pocket suicide prevention resource for the UK, packed full of useful information to help you stay safe. You can use it if you are having thoughts of suicide or if you are concerned about someone else who may be considering suicide.
• NHS 111 111 (24hrs)
• Dear Life Coventry and Warwickshire Suicide Prevention Microsite with support and planning tools to help keep you safe.
• Mental Health Matters Support for your mental health and wellbeing in Coventry and Warwickshire. Call 0800 616 171 (24hrs) or 0300 330 5487 (from mobile, 24hrs)
• Coventry Safe Haven Drop in mental health support in Coventry. Monday to Sunday 6pm-11pm
• SANE 0300 304 7000 (daily, 4.30pm - 10.30pm)
• Staying Safe Online safety planning

Are you concerned about someone else who is experiencing suicidal thoughts?

Have a look here for information about:

• How to talk to someone about their suicidal thoughts
• Encouraging them to get support
• Talking to a GP about their mental health
• Reaching out if you have concerns about a friend

In an emergency situation, please contact one of these Emergency and Support contacts.

Are you supporting someone for other things?

Please have a look here for how to support someone who is having a challenging time. There is also information about how to look after yourself whilst supporting them.