Quick answer: You may be at risk if you feel hopeless or trapped, think others would be better off without you, withdraw from people, or notice the thought of dying feels like relief or escape. The most urgent sign is when thoughts turn into planning. If that is happening, act today: tell someone, call 0800 678 678 (Ghana) or 112, and put distance between yourself and anything you could use to harm yourself.

Turning points often come from small moments

Many survivors of suicidal crises describe a single moment when they suddenly saw their situation clearly. It might be watching a stranger instinctively protect their own life, hearing a child laugh, or catching their reflection in a mirror. In that moment, they realise the way they have been thinking about death is not normal and not truly them. It is the illness talking.

That realisation, "I am not okay and I need to do something," is one of the most important steps toward safety.

Why it is hard to see it in yourself

Depression narrows your view. Suicidal thoughts can feel like an escape, a breather when you feel buried under water, or the end of every problem. That sense of relief is a symptom. It makes a dangerous idea look reasonable.

GASP's 2023 statement on World Suicide Prevention Day described people in crisis as feeling stuck and tunnel-visioned, unable to see other options (GASP press release, 2023).

Warning signs to check in yourself

Thoughts and feelings

  • Feeling hopeless, trapped or that things will never change
  • Believing you are a burden or that people would be better off without you
  • Thinking about death often, or finding the idea comforting
  • Feeling numb, empty or worthless

Behaviour

  • Pulling away from friends, family or activities
  • Crying often, or not being able to cry at all
  • Neglecting your appearance, meals or sleep
  • Drinking more or using drugs
  • Saying goodbye or giving things away

The urgent sign

  • Moving from "I wish I wasn't here" to thinking about how or when. This is a medical emergency. Get help today.

What to do in the next hour

  1. Tell one person now. Use plain words: "I'm having thoughts of ending my life and I need help."
  2. Call 0800 678 678 (free, Mental Health Authority) or 112 in an emergency.
  3. Make your space safer. Put distance between yourself and anything you could use to hurt yourself; ask someone to hold onto items for you.
  4. Do not be alone tonight. Ask someone to stay with you, or go to them.
  5. Go to the nearest hospital or health centre if the thoughts feel strong.

Write a simple safety plan

A safety plan is a short written list you prepare while you feel calmer, to use when a crisis comes. In a large study of emergency patients, those who made a safety plan with follow-up calls had about half the rate of suicidal behaviour over six months compared with usual care (3.03% vs 5.29%) and were twice as likely to attend mental health appointments (Psychiatric News on Stanley et al., 2018).

Your plan can include:

  1. My warning signs (for example, late at night when everyone is asleep)
  2. Things I can do alone to calm down (praying, music, a walk, kind self-talk as in Mirror Self-Talk and Self-Compassion)
  3. People and places that distract me
  4. People I can ask for help, with phone numbers
  5. Professionals and helplines: 0800 678 678, 112, my nearest clinic
  6. How I will keep my space safe
  7. My reasons for living (my children, my family, my faith, my goals)

Keep it on your phone and on paper.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my suicidal thoughts are serious? All suicidal thoughts deserve attention. They are urgent if you are thinking about how or when, feel unable to keep yourself safe, or have made any preparation. Call 0800 678 678 or 112 straight away.

Is it normal to have passing thoughts about death? Many people have brief thoughts like this during hard times. If they keep returning, feel comforting or are getting stronger, talk to someone and seek help.

What is a safety plan? A short, written list of warning signs, coping steps, people to contact and helplines to use during a crisis. Research shows it reduces suicidal behaviour.

Can I go to a hospital in Ghana without being arrested? Yes. Attempted suicide has not been a crime since 2023. Hospitals are there to help you.

Sources: GASP World Suicide Prevention Day press release (2023) · Psychiatric News: ED-administered safety planning (2018)