The best places to seek mental health support in Manchester – and the common suicide warning signs to look out for

Suicide is the most common cause of death in UK males aged between 20 and 49, according to The Samaritans.

Each year, over 6,000 people take their own lives in the UK – with tens of thousands more suicide attempts. 

Just let that sink in.

Each and every suicide is both an individual tragedy and a loss to society. Nobody should have to feel suicide is the only option to their problems or how they’re feeling is to not be here anymore.

A problem shared is a problem halved. Although at the time it might not feel like it, talking about your problems with someone is one of the best things you can do.

Heartbreakingly, around three-quarters of people in the UK who take their own lives are not in contact with any mental health services or support.

Warning Signs

As people, we all go through lots of different experiences in life. Our brains, although made the same – are all wired differently and that can affect our thoughts, feelings and emotions.

Unlike other illnesses, those who struggle with their mental health can be difficult to identify and sometimes there really is no telling if someone we know is thinking about such drastic actions – unless they talk to us about it.

However, there are some warning signs to look out for – and helpful advice that we can think about to make sure we’re all playing our part in looking out for each other.

Feelings

A major sign of someone who is struggling with their mental health are those who are having a hard time with their feelings. Sometimes people might share with you that they’re feeling a certain way. Sometimes, if you notice someone acting out of the ordinary, it might fall on you to ask them.

Common feelings linked to suicide include feeling hopeless, helpless, lonely, disconnected, worthless, powerless, desperate, irritable, shame, rejection, sadness, isolation, anger, exhaustion and trapped.

Behaviours

When someone is struggling with their mental health, they might also change their behaviour, acting in a different way to their usual personality.

This could be increased alcohol or drug use, withdrawal from family and friends, giving up activities that were previously important, self harming, uncharacteristic recklessness or risk taking, emotional outbursts, mood swings, fighting and previous suicide attempts or thoughts.

Physical Changes

When someone is under a lot of stress and struggling to cope – their physical changes can also be a sign that something isn’t right – most commonly too little sleep, a loss of energy or willingness to participate, loss of interest in personal hygiene or appearance, sudden or extreme changes in eating habits, significant weight loss or weight gain and chronic illness or pain.

It’s ok not to be ok. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the best places for anyone who feels that they might need to talk to someone – or seek advice on behalf of someone else – as well as warning signs to look out for.

Samaritans

Operating 24 hours a day, every day of the year – Samaritans are there to talk to you about anything that’s bothering you and is completely confidential. You can call 116 123 free of charge – or if you’d rather not talk over the phone, you can email them at [email protected] or pop in and visit a branch in person.

PAPYRUS

A national charity that helps support teenagers and young adults under 35 who are feeling suicidal, struggling with suicidal thoughts or are concerned about someone who might be struggling. You can call them on 0800 068 41 14, text them on 07786209697 or email them at [email protected]

The Sanctuary

A helpline for anyone who is struggling to cope, or experiencing depression, anxiety, panic attacks or is in crisis. You can call them on 0300 003 7029 between 6pm and 1am every night.

SANE

Mental health charity SANE will talk to you about your mental health or mental health of someone you know or support. Call them on 0300 304 7000 from 4.30pm to 10.30pm every day.

CALM

The Campaign Against Living Miserably is specifically for men. Open from 5pm to midnight everyday, call 0800 58 58 58 – or contact them via their online chat service.

Switchboard

Switchboard is for LGBT+ people and can be used to talk about any problems or issues you may be struggling with. Call 0300 330 0630 from 10am to 10pm every day, or you can also use their online chat service or email [email protected]. All phone operators identify as LGBT+.

Childline

Specifically for children and young people, Childline operate a 24 hour helpline service for you to seek help and advice. Call 0800 1111 for free. And the number doesn’t show up on your phone bill.

Depression Alliance

Although this charity doesn’t offer a helpline, you can find a range of useful resources and links to relevant help and advice for those dealing with depression.

Andy’s Man Club

New to Manchester, Andy’s Man Club already operates in several locations around England, and is a safe space for males who are struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts. To attend a local meeting simply check the website for the locations and times of weekly meetings – and turn up. In Manchester, the group meet every Monday at 7pm.