If you’re having suicidal thoughts, it’s probably because you are feeling an excessive amount of pain that seems insurmountable. These thoughts are a warning sign that you need to take seriously. There is help available. Talking to someone like a friend, family member or counsellor about what you are thinking and experiencing is an important step. Together, you can find the support you need to reduce your distress and find ways to get better.

You are important, and even if it’s hard to believe right now, life has happy moments in store for you; that’s why you have to talk, to ask for help.

Ways of helping you talk about your suicidal thoughts

  • You don’t have to know exactly what to say or how to say it. Simply expressing your suicidal thoughts and your pain can be a source of great relief. Be yourself in expressing your emotions and experiences; speak in your own words and be honest.
  • Don’t stay alone with that pain. During a difficult time, we sometimes tend to isolate ourselves. But by opening up, we can find support.
  • Talk to someone you trust: a colleague, a friend, a neighbour, your doctor, an elder, etc. If the person you speak to has difficulty hearing about or understanding your pain or situation, talk about it with someone else.
  • If you are under 18 years old, we strongly encourage you to talk to a trusted adult, such as a teacher, parent, school counsellor, etc. Your friends can help and listen to you, but they will need outside help.
  • Don’t be afraid about worrying your loved ones by expressing your suicidal thoughts. Above all, they want to keep you close to them, despite the difficulties. The pain of a loss by suicide far exceeds the energy or emotion involved in addressing what is causing a problem or pain for you. Suicide is a permanent loss of life. The loss of someone affects many families and communities. Suicide is not a solution. Working together to prevent suicide and promote well-being is important for everyone.

Why talk about it to a counsellor?

There are counsellors who specialize in suicide prevention who can listen to you. These people work in places such as suicide prevention centres, CLSCs, CISSS/CIUSSS and psychologist’s offices. You can also talk to a school counsellor, a doctor, etc. That will allow you to:

  • discuss your suicidal thoughts and your desire to stop suffering;
  • be listened to with openness and without being judged. Suicide prevention counsellors are used to talking about this subject;
  • stay in touch with the part of you that wants to live;
  • find potential solutions to certain challenges;
  • use the strengths and resources that have previously enabled you to get through difficult times;
  • look differently at the situation you are experiencing and no longer be alone in looking for ways to reduce the distress;
  • identify things that decrease your suicidal thoughts.

Remember that there is help and that there definitely are ways to reduce your pain, even if you don’t know how to right now. Suicide is an irreversible act, yet the problems are temporary. With support, you can get through this distressing moment in your life.

“Bro, I was so glad when you asked me for help, and not just because you were moving.”

Help resources

Testimonials

Talking about suicide saves lives – Dave Morissette, 2019

Talking about suicide saves lives – Érick Légaré, 2019

Talking about suicide saves lives – Lucas Philip Alcantara, 2018

Talking about suicide saves lives – Marc-André Dufour, 2018