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Feeling Low?

Do you recognise some of these in yourself? Or in a friend?

Lacking energy or feeling particularly tired
Feeling more tearful
Not wanting to talk or be with people
Not wanting to do things you usually enjoy
Eating, drinking or sleeping more or less than usual
Using alcohol or drugs to cope with feelings
Finding it hard to cope with everyday things
Feeling restless and agitated
Not liking or taking care of yourself or feeling you don’t matter

If several of the things listed above describe you or a friend then now is the time to get some help and support.

Getting help

Different people find different things can help. Lots of people in your own workplace, school, university or community can help and there are also many services and helplines ready to listen and help you.

Many people find talking to someone else is the best way to get help. It doesn’t have to be the same person who could actually help. It just needs to be someone you can trust. It could be a friend, partner, family member, colleague, tutor, supervisor, counsellor, practice nurse, doctor or a helpline.

Samaritans volunteers have heard many people’s stories, and you can discuss anything you want with them in complete confidence. Samaritans often work with those who feel they cannot talk to anyone else – either because they don’t have someone they trust, or because they do not want to worry those around them. Remember that our phone, email and face to face support services are available 24/7.

Starting a conversation

Talking with friends, family, colleagues or someone like Samaritans about a problem is never easy. If a problem is really bad, what can you say?

Every situation is different, and there are no absolute answers. But here are some suggestions to help you start talking in difficult, challenging situations. Often, starting a conversation's half the battle.

Some of these tips might be useful:

Think of where you will have the conversation. Choose somewhere you feel safe and where you’re not likely to be disturbed. This could be somewhere private or somewhere really busy where you won’t be overheard
If you’re worried you won’t know what to say, perhaps write it down beforehand. Could you tell them how you feel? If you know – what’s making you feel like this?
Remember that they will almost certainly want to offer you support but you need to help them understand what you want from them. What help would you like?
Most people find it helps to tell someone. Most people who contact Samaritans said talking or emailing helped them cope and feel less anxious, less isolated and more understood

Remember that the hardest part is starting a conversation. Once you have done this, it will get easier.

What should I do if someone I know has died by suicide?

The death of anyone close can cause immense sadness and grief but a death by suicide is one of the most painful and complicated types of bereavement. It can raise many emotions like disbelief, anger, guilt and sadness. All of these are normal reactions and you need the chance to talk them through with someone you are comfortable with and whom you trust.

A death through suicide delivers a double blow to families – not only do they have to cope with a sudden, often unexpected death, but they also have to deal with the way their relative has died and the fact that there may be media attention surrounding it.

Make sure you share how you are feeling and use the support that’s out there.

Useful information

Worried about someone else?

Personal Stories

Find out more about emotional health

Other sources of help