Needing help to explain the thoughts
Ask what is happening now, whether suicidal thoughts are present and whether the person can remain safe while help is contacted.
Talking to Your GP About Suicidal Thoughts
One safe step at a time.
Tell the GP directly that you are having suicidal thoughts and explain whether you feel able to keep yourself safe today. Clear language helps the clinician understand urgency and decide the next appropriate assessment route.
Direct answerSay what is happening.
Say what is happening.
Bring another person in.
Tell the GP directly that you are having suicidal thoughts and explain whether you feel able to keep yourself safe today. Clear language helps the clinician understand urgency and decide the next appropriate assessment route.
You may find it difficult to organise the story or fear that you will not be believed. A brief note can cover when the thoughts began, how often they occur, changes in intensity, any preparations, sleep, substances, medicines, recent events, supports and what has helped you delay action.
A proportionate next step
Ask for an urgent appointment when needed, take a trusted person if helpful, and bring a current medicines and supplements list. If you cannot wait safely for the appointment, use NHS 111; call 999 or go to A&E for immediate danger.
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.
Recent escalation or preparations
Ask what is happening now, whether suicidal thoughts are present and whether the person can remain safe while help is contacted.
A change in medicines, substances or physical health
Ask what is happening now, whether suicidal thoughts are present and whether the person can remain safe while help is contacted.
Reduced ability to work, sleep, eat or remain 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
Ask for an urgent appointment when needed, take a trusted person if helpful, and bring a current medicines and supplements list. If you cannot wait safely for the appointment, use NHS 111; call 999 or go to A&E for immediate danger.
Important boundarySupport is shared.
Support is shared.
Safety is not a private burden.
Do not minimise danger to preserve privacy or avoid worrying someone. iMetaWellness cannot replace the clinical assessment, diagnosis, prescribing, crisis planning or safeguarding decisions that may be required.
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.