Samaritans Talk To Us 24/7
July 24th is Samaritans Awareness Day, a reminder that Samaritans are always there 24/7 for anyone who needs support.
Samaritans are here for anyone who is struggling to cope and who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure. They support people with skills for better emotional wellbeing, plus also promote connection between people to help us support each other.
Samaritans make suicide prevention a key priority. Each person who contacts the Samaritans is listened to with empathy and undivided attention so that they feel safe and can alleviate their distress. It is not only during a crisis that Samaritans are on call, but whenever someone needs to talk.
When life is difficult, Samaritans are there – day or night, 365 days a year.
You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.
Signs That Someone May Not Be OK
by Samaritans
Many people struggle to cope at one point or another in their lives. Reaching out to someone could help them know that someone cares, that they are valued, and help them access the support they need.
Everyone copes and reacts in their own way, but here are some general signs to look out for. For some people, several of these signs might apply - for others just one or two, or none.
Signs to look out for:
- Feeling restless and agitated
- Feeling angry and aggressive
- Feeling tearful
- Being tired or lacking in energy
- Not wanting to talk to or be with people
- Not wanting to do things they usually enjoy
- Using alcohol or drugs to cope with feelings
- Finding it hard to cope with everyday things
- Not replying to messages or being distant
- Talking about feeling hopeless, helpless or worthless
- Talking about feeling trapped by life circumstances they can’t see a way out of, or feeling unable to escape their thoughts
- A change in routine, such as sleeping or eating more or less than normal
- Engaging in risk-taking behaviour, like gambling or violence
You might not always be able to spot these signs. These emotions may be more difficult to spot if you're seeing less of the people you're close to.
It can also be useful to identify circumstances that can trigger suicidal thoughts or make it hard for someone to cope.
Situations to look out for:
- loss, including loss of a friend or a family member through bereavement
- suicide or attempted suicide of a family member, friend or public figure
- relationship and family problems
- housing problems
- financial worries
- job-related stress
- college or study-related pressures
- bullying, abuse or neglect
- loneliness and isolation
- challenging current events
- depression
- painful and/or disabling physical illness
- heavy use of or dependency on alcohol or other drugs
Again, these may not apply to everyone who is struggling, but they can be useful to look out for.
If you're worried about someone else you can contact the Samaritans here: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/if-youre-worried-about-someone-else/
Supporting someone who is struggling can be distressing. It’s important for you to make sure you’re okay too. It’s okay to decide that you are no longer able to help someone and to let them know you won’t be contactable for awhile.
If supporting someone is affecting you, we’re here to listen. No pressure, no judgement. Whatever you're going through, call Samaritans for free at any time, from any phone, on 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org.
Samaritans Self-Help App
Did you know Samaritans also offer a free app? The Self-Help app is there for you, however you are feeling. Keep track of how you’re feeling, and get recommendations for things that you can do to help yourself cope, feel better and stay safe in a crisis.
You don’t need to speak to anyone if you are not ready and the app allows you to work things through in your own time.
With an account you can:
- Record your mood every day
- Look for patterns in how you’re feeling
- Make your personal safety plan
- Store images of things that give you hope
“Writing down how I was doing helped me identify and articulate how I was feeling. It was quite a revelation really.” - Samaritans Self-Help user
Check out the app here: Samaritans Self-Help
If you would like to jump into some relaxation techniques straight away, visit Techniques| Samaritans Self-Help
Get In Touch With The Samaritans
Call for free on 116 123
Email jo@samaritans.org
Visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.
Self-Help App: Samaritans Self-Help
If you're worried about someone else you can contact the Samaritans here
