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If you're having suicidal thoughts, there's a wide range of support available. This page will help you look after yourself and find an appropriate person to talk to.
On this page:
- Crisis support
- Time to talk
- Talking to someone in Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW)
- Talking to a support service outside UCL
- Look after yourself
Crisis support
Time to talk
If you are feeling suicidal, the most important thing is to talk to someone.
Thoughts of suicide are common. Many adults will experience suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives. The feelings that drive suicide are often temporary and situation-specific, for instance, a stressful event associated with feelings of loss can trigger suicidal thoughts.
If you are going through a difficult period, you may feel isolated and disconnected from your personal support networks. You may also worry about the reaction and impact on those close to you if you share thoughts of suicide. It may feel awkward to start a conversation and there isn’t a right or wrong way to talk about suicidal feelings.
Starting the conversation is what’s important.
You may want to talk to a trusted family member, a friend, a colleague, a staff member in your department or hall of residence, UCL Student Support and Wellbeing services, your GP, or an external organisation dedicated to supporting people experiencing suicidal feelings. Further information on these sources of support is available below. Professional support is available and it is easy to access.
It is important to remember that people care and will want to help.
Talking to someone in Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW)
There are various teams you can speak to within Student Support and Wellbeing based on your needs and circumstances.
- Appointments
Our team of Disability, Mental Health and Wellbeing Advisers offer confidential and non-judgmental appointments. The advisers have a wealth of experience and skills including Mental Health First Aid and suicide prevention training. They will listen to you and seek to understand how you are feeling.
Our team can help you identify and access therapeutic and/or medical support, suggest adjustments to study and agree a safety plan with you. A safety plan is a personalised plan to support you step by step during periods when you're feeling suicidal (link above).
You can contact us through the askUCL student enquiries system.
- UCL Student Psychological and Counselling Services (SPCS)
For some students, psychological support such as talking therapies can help manage suicidal thoughts. UCL provides therapeutic support through Student Psychological and Counselling Services (SPCS), part of Student Support and Wellbeing. This service requires an online registration.
Talking therapies can also be accessed through your GP.
Read more information about our therapeutic support options on the SPCS website.
- UCL 24/7 Student Support Line
In-the-moment support is available via the UCL 24/7 Student Support Line, in 35+ languages, including sign.
To speak to an adviser, call: +44 (0) 808 238 0077.
Read more information about evening and weekend support over the phone.
- Wardens and Student Residence Advisers (SRAs)
If you're living in a hall of residence, you have an additional network of support in the form of SSW's Wardens and Student Residence Advisers (SRAs), who live on site. They are the first point of contact for any welfare or pastoral issues you may be experiencing and can help connect you to UCL’s student support services. They can call emergency services if you need them.
Talk to a support service outside UCL
- Seeing your doctor (GP)
Your GP is the first point of contact for any issues affecting your physical and mental health, including suicidal thoughts. Your GP will also be able to diagnose a state of depression or anything in your lifestyle that may be contributing to how you may be feeling. This is not always the case, but suicidal thoughts can be linked to depression and the use of alcohol and drugs.
Your GP can also refer you to further specialist support and talking therapies, and can prescribe medication. Mind have some useful tips to support you in having that first conversation with your doctor.
If your GP surgery isn't open or if you're not registered at a GP surgery, call the free NHS out-of-hours medical line on 111 and they will help you access the right services in your area.
- External support organisations
There are a number of external services that may be able to help if you are feeling distressed and/or are concerned about managing suicidal thoughts, offering a safe place for you to talk, often 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, such as Samaritans.
Look after yourself
There are a number of ways you can look after yourself if you are feeling suicidal. Firstly, you can save emergency phone numbers and what to do when you are feeling suicidal in a safety plan (link above). It can be helpful to complete the safety plan together with one of our Disability, Mental Health and Wellbeing Advisers at a drop-in session or appointment.
Try to be around friends or family if you can. If this is not possible, aim to get to a safe place and call them.
You may also choose to call a helpline, such as one of those listed above, for support. Most of these are available out of hours.
Try to not consume drugs or alcohol - these can have a substantial negative effect on mental health and wellbeing.
Do things you enjoy, such as listening to music, exercising, or watching a favourite TV show in order to distract yourself and take your mind off your thoughts.
Find out more about resources that may help if you're feeling suicidal.