Following a suicide attempt, you may experience conflicting feelings such as anger, relief, disappointment, confusion, or feeling ashamed.

It’s OK to feel this way and it might be useful to remember that although the feelings may feel intense right now, recovery from a suicide attempt is possible.

It is important to be kind to yourself and helpful to have at least one person you can talk to about your feelings, especially if you start to have suicidal thoughts again – whether that is a psychologist or other mental health professional, a friend or family member, a neighbour or a support service, like Samaritans. You are not alone.

Recovery

• Make sure you keep a list of support services to hand should you need them.
• Take one day at a time, make regular appointments with your GP or tell someone how you have been feeling.
• Make a suicide safety plan with the agency or professional looking after you following your attempt - be honest so it suits your needs.
• If you’re drinking alcohol or using drugs, try to limit your use of them, as they can make you feel worse.
• Identify what sets off the negative thoughts, list some activities that you may find helpful in distracting you from the invasive negative feelings.

The St Helens Wellbeing Service can work with you, to help identify services which could make a difference to your health and wellbeing. By just making some small changes you can make a big difference to the way you feel.

Get help if you need it

Should you continue to have suicidal thoughts, it is vital that you get help so that you can stay safe.

If you’re already receiving professional help or support, it’s important that you stay in contact with these services, particularly if you’re feeling troubled.