Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone. They are more common than you might think, which is why there are 5 suicide hotlines (or helplines and crisis lines) in Scotland that can offer help to anyone struggling with feeling suicidal. Suicidal thoughts might involve:

Feeling like you wouldn't be missed if you were gone
Feeling unwanted or like a burden to others
Feeling like you need to escape, or stop the pain
The thought of ending your life gives you a sense of relief
Withdrawing from people in your life or cutting yourself off from others
Feeling like you can't cope with the pain anymore
An unbearable amount of emotional pain that you can't imagine will ever go away
Losing your motivation to keep going

Experiencing suicidal feelings is a response to intense emotional pain that feels impossible to escape from. It's not uncommon to feel that nothing can be solved when you're emotionally overwhelmed. However, with the right support, you can end your emotional suffering without having to end your life.

It's important to know that how you're feeling is normal and that you are not alone. There are trained crisis line volunteers in Scotland who will listen to you and support you. Speaking to a compassionate volunteer may give you that extra bit of hope that you need to keep going.

Consider contacting a hotline in Scotland right away for free, private help with suicide.