Thoughts becoming more specific or compelling
Ask what is happening now, whether suicidal thoughts are present and whether the person can remain safe while help is contacted.
Getting Through the Next Hour with Suicidal Thoughts
One safe step at a time.
The goal for the next hour is not to solve your whole life. It is to create time, distance from danger and contact with another person while the intensity changes and urgent help is arranged.
Direct answerSay what is happening.
Say what is happening.
Bring another person in.
The goal for the next hour is not to solve your whole life. It is to create time, distance from danger and contact with another person while the intensity changes and urgent help is arranged.
Strong suicidal urges can narrow attention and make permanent conclusions feel immediate. A short safety sequence can reduce isolation: pause decisions, change location, reduce access to anything that could be used for harm, and stay connected to someone who knows what is happening.
A proportionate next step
Say or send: “I am having suicidal thoughts and I do not feel safe alone.” Ask the person to remain with you or on the phone while you contact NHS 111. Call 999 or go to A&E if you may act, cannot keep safe or danger is immediate.
Signals to take seriouslyLook for change.
Look for change.
Ask about safety.
No list or score predicts suicide. These prompts help begin a direct conversation and decide whether urgent services are needed.
Feeling unable to delay action
Ask what is happening now, whether suicidal thoughts are present and whether the person can remain safe while help is contacted.
Being alone with access to danger
Ask what is happening now, whether suicidal thoughts are present and whether the person can remain safe while help is contacted.
Intoxication, severe agitation, confusion or psychosis
Ask what is happening now, whether suicidal thoughts are present and whether the person can remain safe while help is contacted.
What to doUse a short
Use a short
safety sequence.
The aim is not to produce a diagnosis. It is to reduce isolation and reach the right level of help.
Ask directly and listen
Use calm, plain language. Give the person time to answer and reflect back what you heard without debate, guilt or forced optimism.
Clarify immediate safety
Ask whether the person may act, has made preparations or can stay safe. Do not use a risk score or a verbal promise as a substitute for professional assessment.
Create connection and distance from danger
Stay together when safety is uncertain, move towards a safer shared place, involve another trusted person and reduce access to danger without confrontation.
Use the appropriate UK route
Say or send: “I am having suicidal thoughts and I do not feel safe alone.” Ask the person to remain with you or on the phone while you contact NHS 111. Call 999 or go to A&E if you may act, cannot keep safe or danger is immediate.
Important boundarySupport is shared.
Support is shared.
Safety is not a private burden.
A coping technique is not a substitute for urgent assessment. Do not rely on an automated tool, website, private appointment or future promise when immediate safety is uncertain.
Suicidal thoughts require human contact and, where indicated, professional assessment. Never delay NHS or emergency help while waiting for an iMetaWellness response.
Conversation prompts
Four clear questions.
Adapt the language to age, communication needs and the relationship, while keeping the meaning direct.
Are you thinking about suicide?
This names the concern without euphemism and gives the person permission to answer directly.
Do you feel you may act on those thoughts?
A “yes”, uncertainty or inability to answer clearly can require urgent or emergency action.
Can you stay safe while we contact help?
Do not leave someone alone when safety is uncertain. Call 999 or go to A&E for immediate danger.
Who else can help us carry this now?
Identify a trusted person and the relevant NHS, GP, mental-health or emergency route.
Non-crisis supportUrgent route first.
Urgent route first.
Private enquiry afterwards.
Once immediate safety and clinical support are established, use the patient form to ask whether complementary wellbeing support is suitable.