Suicide is rarely a spur of the moment decision. In the days and hours before people kill themselves, there are usually clues and warning signs.

How to get help if you are thinking about ending your life

First and foremost, you matter. You are important, and you bring something unique into this world. It is okay to ask for help. Asking for help is a brave step, and you do not have to face this alone. We are here for you.

Here are some ways to help you get through the next second, minute, hour, or day.

Reach out for support
Talking to someone can help lighten what you are carrying. You could reach out to a trusted friend, family member, teacher, or mentor. Even a simple message can be a first step, such as:
“Hi, I’m feeling really alone and struggling right now. Can we talk?”

Tell someone you trust
Confiding in someone can help you build a support system for difficult moments. Even if you feel like a burden, remember that there are people who care about you and want to support you.

Distract yourself with something comforting
Find something that brings you even a small amount of comfort or joy. This could be listening to music, watching a favourite show, spending time with a pet, going for a walk, or doing a hobby. Small distractions can help when feelings feel overwhelming.

Talk to a professional
If you are thinking about ending your life, you may be dealing with intense and painful emotions. A therapist, counsellor, psychologist, or doctor can help you understand and manage these feelings in a healthy way.

Talk to a Befriender
Some people find it difficult to talk to family or friends, and that is okay. You can talk to a trained volunteer Befriender who will listen without judgement. In Mauritius, Befrienders provide support through calls, emails, SMS, and face-to-face visits.

Go somewhere safe
If you feel that you might be in danger, go to a safe place where other people are around, such as a friend’s home, a public place, or a healthcare facility. Seeking immediate help is a strong and courageous step.

Warning signs of suicide

Sometimes, suicidal thoughts are linked to mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. Like physical illnesses, mental health conditions have symptoms, including warning signs. However, not everyone with a mental illness is suicidal, and not everyone who thinks about suicide has a mental illness.

When someone is thinking about suicide, they may show changes in their thoughts, feelings, or behaviour.

What someone might say:

People may express their feelings verbally, for example:

• “I want to kill myself.”

• “I feel hopeless.”

• “I have no reason to live.”

• “Everyone would be better off without me.”

• “I feel trapped.”

• “I’m in unbearable pain.”

These statements should always be taken seriously.

Possible warning signs
A person may begin to behave differently or take unusual risks, such as:

• Increased use of alcohol or drugs

• Searching online for information about suicide

• Withdrawing from friends, family, school, or activities

• Sleeping much more or much less than usual

• Saying goodbye in unusual ways

• Giving away personal or valuable belongings

• Sudden anger, irritability, or aggressive behaviour

How someone might feel
Someone thinking about suicide often feels overwhelmed by intense emotions. External pressures such as relationship problems, academic or work stress, trauma, or major life changes can increase emotional strain. Internal struggles, such as difficulty managing emotions, can also make coping harder.

Suicide is rarely a sudden decision. In many cases, there are warning signs and changes in behaviour beforehand.

Other common signs

Situations

• Family history of suicide or violence

• Physical or sexual abuse

• Death of a loved one

• Relationship problems or separation

• Academic or work stress

• Job loss or legal problems

Behavioural changes

• Crying frequently

• Fighting or aggression

• Impulsiveness or risk-taking

• Self-harm behaviours

• Writing or talking about death

• Previous suicide attempts

• Extreme mood or personality changes

• Searching for suicide-related content online

Physical changes

• Low energy or fatigue

• Disturbed sleep

• Changes in appetite or weight

• Frequent minor illnesses

• Changes in appearance or personal care

Thoughts and emotions

• Persistent thoughts of suicide

• Feeling lonely or rejected

• Deep sadness, shame, or guilt

• Feeling trapped or hopeless

• Anxiety or stress

• Loss of self-worth

Important Reminder

Seeing one or two of these signs does not always mean someone is suicidal. However, the more warning signs a person shows, the greater the risk. If you notice these signs in yourself or someone else, seek help immediately.