COVID-19: what to do if you feel suicidal during the coronavirus lockdown

Dealing with suicidal thoughts is distressing and frightening at any time, and lockdown can understandably make you feel all the more isolated with your feelings. We're collectively facing uncertainty and anxiety about the future, social isolation, restrictions on our movement, and the stress of adapting to new routines. But it's important to remember that, even if you can't access support in all the usual ways, you're not alone and there is still help available.

"We are facing a crisis that most of us have never experienced in our lifetime. Because of this crisis, many different feelings can occur. These could include anxiety, fear, panic, regret, guilt, anger, a sense of loss, loss of hope, loneliness, or despair, and these feelings might even lead to suicidal thoughts," says Yuko Nippoda, a spokesperson for the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and accredited psychotherapist.

"When you think the world is no longer worth living for, it is very important to know that it is natural to have these feelings; it is a very frightening world at the moment. You are responding to the situation you're facing, and many people also feel the same way. You are not alone under these circumstances, and there are people out there who would like to help you," she adds.

Understanding how you feel

Although face-to-face services have been suspended, the Samaritans helpline is still available 24/7, for free, confidential support, by calling 116 123. The Samaritans can also be contacted by post or email, and have put together some practical advice on techniques to look after yourself during lockdown. You can find a list of other helpline and support services at the end of this article.

Speaking with a specially trained mental health professional or helpline volunteer can help you to explore how you're feeling and why, including in relation to COVID-19.

"What feelings are cropping up? Is it a sense of not coping? Is it a feeling of helplessness to protect people close to you? Is it job or financial concerns? Is it a trigger for existing feelings of anxiety and depression?" asks UKCP spokesperson Lucy Beresford.

"In many cases, suicidal thoughts are orchestrated by self-blame. But by acknowledging that your feelings are understandable and valid, self-blame might be reduced and you might start to feel that there is hope," Yuko adds.

Accessing support

In your local area, GP surgeries and A&E departments are understandably having to adapt to the pressures of the coronavirus crisis. Even so, community mental health teams should still be available over the phone. If you are already under the care of a community mental health team you may previously have been given the most appropriate Crisis Line number to ring in an emergency, or you can search for crisis support services on the NHS website. If you have concerns about your mental health medication, you should also still be able to access telephone support from your GP surgery, so don't be afraid to ask.

Some people may already be having virtual therapy sessions, either via message, video call or over the phone. Many therapists who normally see clients in person have switched to virtual sessions since they can't currently see them in person. So if you feel that talking therapy might help you, you can still self-refer for NHS talking therapy or pay for sessions privately, even during the lockdown. You can now book private counselling via Patient Access - however, this is not suitable if you are actively thinking about harming yourself or have attempted suicide within a last month.

In an emergency, if you are seriously ill or injured, or your life is at risk, remember that you can also still call 999 - a mental health emergency should be treated just as seriously as a physical one. Alternatively, you can dial 111 (or the relevant number for your region) if you need urgent care but it's not an emergency.

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Self-care

It can be very difficult to take care of yourself during a crisis, particularly when lockdown is likely to have disrupted your usual routines and support systems. But, wherever possible, try to maintain some kind of daily schedule - even if you can only manage the basics of eating, washing and dressing yourself.

"Routine and structure tend to make us feel safe, helping us to feel grounded and nurtured like a child. I would encourage you to get back into a daily rhythm: three proper meals, light exercise that includes stimulation of both halves of your body - such as walking on the spot and swinging your arms, or walking around the block if it's safe to do so - and keeping to a regular bedtime and time to get up," Lucy says.

"I'd also encourage you to limit technology and news consumption, especially before bedtime. I've started the routine of listening to Radio 4's book at bedtime and, for me, it really helps curb the anxiety around COVID-19," she adds. Alternatively, you might find some of the breathing and relaxation techniques suggested by the Samaritans, or practising mindfulness, useful.

Remember too that isolation doesn't have to mean being totally cut off, and make use of technology to keep in touch with friends and family via phone, text, video calls or social media, and accept any support that might be offered.

Supporting someone else

Social distancing can make it particularly difficult to support someone you think might be struggling with suicidal thoughts. But there are ways to reach out and let them know you care, even if you can't physically be there.

The Samaritans recommend using video calls for virtual dinners, drinks and catch-ups, to help with reading body language and maintaining intimacy and trust. Text works too if they're more comfortable communicating openly in that way.

While some of their usual tips on helping someone to open up don't apply during lockdown, most of them can be adapted to suit social distancing rules. The key thing is to let them know you care and that you're there to listen and support them, and to make sure they know where to access any further support.

Remember too that supporting someone who feels suicidal is distressing in itself, so make sure you're looking after yourself as well and have someone you can speak with about your own feelings.

Crisis helplines