Feeling that death is the only escape
Ask what is happening now, whether suicidal thoughts are present and whether the person can remain safe while help is contacted.
Suicidal Thoughts in Adults: Getting Help in the UK
One safe step at a time.
Suicidal thoughts deserve direct support, even when part of you is unsure whether the situation is serious enough. You do not need to prove a diagnosis or reach a crisis threshold before asking for help.
Direct answerSay what is happening.
Say what is happening.
Bring another person in.
Suicidal thoughts deserve direct support, even when part of you is unsure whether the situation is serious enough. You do not need to prove a diagnosis or reach a crisis threshold before asking for help.
Thoughts may be brief or persistent, passive or urgent, and can occur alongside depression, anxiety, trauma, pain, sleep loss, substance use, loss, isolation or overwhelming circumstances. The meaning and level of danger can change quickly, so a real conversation is safer than trying to grade the risk alone.
A proportionate next step
Tell one trusted person plainly, move towards a safer shared place, and use NHS 111, an urgent GP appointment or an existing mental-health team for urgent clinical help. If you may act, cannot keep yourself safe or there is immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E.
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.
Making preparations or saying goodbye
Ask what is happening now, whether suicidal thoughts are present and whether the person can remain safe while help is contacted.
A sudden increase in alcohol or drug use
Ask what is happening now, whether suicidal thoughts are present and whether the person can remain safe while help is contacted.
Withdrawing while feeling unable to stay safe
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
Tell one trusted person plainly, move towards a safer shared place, and use NHS 111, an urgent GP appointment or an existing mental-health team for urgent clinical help. If you may act, cannot keep yourself safe or there is immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E.
Important boundarySupport is shared.
Support is shared.
Safety is not a private burden.
iMetaWellness is not a crisis service and cannot assess immediate suicide risk. Private complementary support may be considered only after urgent and clinical needs have been addressed.
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.