Thoughts of death

When you need help now

If you think you may harm yourself, have made the decision to commit suicide, are preparing for it, or are unsure if you can stay safe, seek emergency help now.

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

If possible:

don't be alone;

tell your loved one what is happening to you;

go to a place where other people are nearby;

limit access to objects, drugs or other means that can cause harm to yourself;

Do not use alcohol or other substances that may impair behavioural control.

What is important to know

Thoughts about death can vary in intensity.

Sometimes a person has no plan to harm themselves but thinks, "It would be easier if I simply did not wake up." These are called passive thoughts of death.

In other cases, suicidal thoughts, intent, or a specific plan appear. The more specific thoughts become and the more difficult it is for a person to control his behaviour, the greater the need for urgent help.

It is important to assess not only the content of the thoughts, but also their frequency, intensity, intent, ability to remain safe, and availability of support.

What to pay attention to

How long have thoughts about death appeared?

Do they occur sporadically or become constant.

Is it mainly a wish to disappear and stop suffering, or have thoughts of suicide appeared?

Do you have any intention of harming yourself?

Do you feel like you might lose control over your actions?

Do thoughts intensify at certain times or after specific events.

Is there significant depression, hopelessness, feelings of worthlessness or guilt?

Have you become more isolated from other people?

Do you have the feeling that your loved ones “would be better off without you?”

Whether alcohol or other substances are used to cope with the condition.

Have there been any previous episodes of self-harm or suicidal behaviour.

Is there anyone I can tell about what is happening now?

What can help

You should not remain with such thoughts alone or wait until the condition becomes even more severe.

It is worth talking directly about them to a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, family doctor or other specialist. Talking about suicidal thoughts does not “strengthen” them; on the contrary, it is important for a specialist to know about their presence in order to correctly assess the condition and find help.

Before a consultation, it is helpful to stay close to people you trust, reduce isolation, and identify in advance who you can turn to if your condition worsens.

Together with a specialist, you can create a safety plan: identify early signs of a crisis, ways to cope with the most difficult period, contacts of people to turn to, and actions in case of increasing suicidal thoughts.

When to ask for help

If you have thoughts about death, contact a mental health professional, even when there is no intention of harming yourself.

It is especially important not to delay consultation if thoughts are repeated, become more specific, hopelessness increases, the person becomes increasingly isolated or ceases to see reasons to continue living.

Emergency help is needed if there is suicidal intent, a specific plan, preparatory actions, a recent suicide attempt, or a feeling that you cannot guarantee your own safety.

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