Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone. They are more common than you might think, which is why there are 6 suicide hotlines (or helplines and crisis lines) in South Africa that can offer help to anyone struggling with feeling suicidal. Suicidal thoughts might involve:

Thinking you're going to feel this way forever
Making plans for ending your life
Thinking about killing yourself
Feeling or thinking you are worthless
Having urges to hurt yourself
Feeling like there is no end in sight to the pain you're feeling
An unbearable amount of emotional pain that you can't imagine will ever go away
Wanting to disappear

When you're suicidal, you're going through an emotional crisis. Being in crisis mode can give rise to intense emotions that are difficult to process. You may be overwhelmed and want nothing more than for the pain to end. It may not seem like it, but things can get better.

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 South Africa 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.

For free and confidential support with suicide, consider contacting a hotline in South Africa today.