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When to take concern seriously
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E. If you need urgent mental-health help but it is not an emergency, in England call NHS 111 and select the mental-health option or use NHS 111 online where appropriate.
There is no perfect checklist and people do not always show obvious warning signs.
Things that may raise concern
Talking about wanting to die, hopelessness, feeling like a burden, saying goodbye unexpectedly, giving away important possessions, marked withdrawal, escalating alcohol or drug use, extreme agitation or major changes in behaviour can all require attention.
Context matters
Recent loss, relationship breakdown, financial crisis, serious illness or previous suicidal behaviour may add to concern, but suicide can affect people without an obvious trigger.
When in doubt, ask
You do not make somebody suicidal by checking whether they are thinking about suicide.
Useful next pages
Trusted help & further reading
- NHS — where to get urgent help for mental health
- NHS Every Mind Matters — helping others
- Samaritans — if you're worried about someone else
This section is practical guidance, not emergency or clinical care. If somebody's safety is at immediate risk, use emergency services.