Not wanting to live

When you need help now

If you feel you may harm yourself, have developed an intention to end your life or begun preparing to do so, or are unsure whether you can stay safe, seek emergency help now.

Call 103 in Ukraine or go to your nearest emergency department.

If possible:

don't be alone;

directly tell your loved one what is happening to you;

go to where other people are nearby;

limit access to potentially dangerous objects, medications and other means of self-harm;

Avoid drinking alcohol or other substances that can increase impulsivity.

What is important to know

An unwillingness to live does not always mean an active intention to commit suicide.

Sometimes a person thinks: “I don’t want to live like this anymore,” “I wish I hadn’t woken up,” or “I just want to disappear.” Such experiences are often called passive death thoughts.

But even if there is no concrete plan, they may indicate significant emotional distress and should not be ignored.

In a state of severe depression or crisis, the future may be perceived as completely hopeless, and any solutions as unattainable. This feeling can be very convincing, but it reflects your current mental state and may change if you get help.

What to pay attention to

How long ago did the reluctance to live appear?

Does it occur sporadically or is present most of the time.

Are these thoughts becoming more intense?

Do you have thoughts about your own death or suicide?

Have you ever intended to harm yourself?

Have any preparatory actions taken place?

Do you feel like you might lose control of your behaviour.

Is there significant hopelessness, feelings of worthlessness or guilt.

Does the thought arise that your loved ones would be better off without you?

Have you become more isolated from other people?

Whether it becomes difficult to take care of yourself, eat, sleep, work, or do normal activities.

Whether alcohol or other substances are used to relieve emotional pain.

Have you had any previous episodes of self-harm or suicide attempts?

Is there anyone now to whom you can tell about your condition?

What can help

You should not wait until the reluctance to live turns into specific suicidal intentions.

It is important to talk to a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, family doctor or other mental health professional about your condition. A specialist will be able to assess the risk, determine possible causes of the condition and offer the necessary assistance.

It is also useful not to remain completely isolated and tell at least one close person that it is difficult for you now.

You can work with a professional to create a safety plan: identify early signs of deterioration, actions that can help you survive a crisis, people and services to turn to, and ways to make the environment safer.

In times of severe crisis, the first priority is to get through the immediate future safely and get support.

When to ask for help

If there is a persistent or repeated reluctance to live, you should contact a mental health specialist even when there is no specific suicidal plan.

It is especially important not to delay help if hopelessness and isolation increase, a person stops taking care of himself, begins to feel like a burden, or has suicidal thoughts.

Emergency help is needed if:

there is an intention to end your life;

a concrete plan emerged;

preparatory actions began;

there has been a recent suicide attempt;

you are not sure that you can maintain your own safety.

In such a situation, call 103 in Ukraine or go to the nearest emergency department. If possible, do not be alone.