If you are thinking about suicide or feel like you might hurt yourself, call or text 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline in Canada. Support is available 24/7. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.¹
Suicidal ideation means having thoughts about suicide or not wanting to be alive. These thoughts can feel scary, confusing, or exhausting. They can also be hard to talk about, even with people who care.
Having suicidal thoughts does not mean you are weak or broken. It means you are in pain and need support. Help is available, and you do not have to go through this alone.
What Suicidal Ideation Can Feel Like
Suicidal thoughts can show up in different ways. Some people may think, “I do not want to be here anymore.” Others may feel like they are a burden, that things will never get better, or that people would be better off without them.²
These thoughts can come with intense sadness, numbness, panic, shame, anger, or hopelessness. They may also happen alongside other mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, substance use, or overwhelming stress. 2,3
No matter how the thoughts show up, they should be taken seriously.
Warning Signs Someone May Need Help
Sometimes a person says directly that they want to die or hurt themselves. Other times, the signs are less direct.
Warning signs can include:
- Talking about wanting to die or not wanting to be alive
- Feeling hopeless, trapped, or like a burden
- Pulling away from friends, family, or activities
- Saying goodbye or giving away important things
- Big changes in mood, sleep, or behaviour
- Increased substance use
- Taking dangerous risks
- Searching for ways to harm themselves2,3
If you notice these signs in yourself or someone else, it is important to reach out for help.
What to Do If You Are Having Suicidal Thoughts
If you are having suicidal thoughts, try to tell someone right away. This could be a trusted adult, friend, family member, teacher, counsellor, doctor, or crisis line worker.
You can also use mindyourmind’s I’m in Crisis page for next steps and support options.
If speaking feels too hard, you can start with a text, note, or simple sentence like, “I am not safe right now,” or “I need help.” You do not have to explain everything perfectly to deserve support.
What to Do If a Friend Is in Crisis
If a friend tells you they are thinking about suicide, stay calm and take them seriously. Listen without judging. Do not promise to keep it a secret if they may be unsafe.
You can say, “I care about you, and I think we need to get help.” Then tell a trusted adult or contact crisis support. If your friend is in immediate danger, call 911.
mindyourmind’s My Friend Is in Crisis page can help you understand what to do next.
You Deserve Help and Support
Suicidal thoughts can make it feel like there is no way forward, but feelings can change with support, safety, and care. You do not have to carry this by yourself.
Reaching out is not attention-seeking. It is a brave step toward staying safe.
References
- Government of Canada. Suicide prevention
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/suicide-prevention.html - 9-8-8 Canada. Suicide Crisis Helpline
https://988.ca/ - Centre for Suicide Prevention. About suicide