Supporting someone who is struggling can be distressing - especially if that person is in danger of taking their own life or harming themselves.

It’s important for you to make sure you’re okay too.

Give yourself time to rest and process what’s happened. Remember that 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 a while.

Look after your own wellbeing

When caring for someone else, you might be thinking a lot about their wellbeing and not so much about your own.

Take care of your own physical health and mental health, including getting enough sleep, eating regularly and doing things you enjoy or find relaxing.

Respite is possible – and necessary. You can't give your all as a carer – you just can't. You have to save a bit of yourself just for you.

Take time for you

You can't pour from an empty cup! You have needs of your own. To care for someone else, you need to take time for yourself too.

Be kind to yourself

It can be hard to accept when someone close to you is feeling suicidal. You might feel helpless, powerless, angry, sad, shocked, frightened or a whole range of other emotions - there's no right or wrong way to feel.

Some people worry that they are to blame if someone else feels suicidal, or their loved one isn't getting better, but it's important not to blame yourself for what is happening.

If you have these sorts of worries, it could help to talk to someone about how you are feeling.

• Talk to a friend or family member
• Call a helpline (see our useful contacts)
• Try talking therapy and counselling
• Join a peer support group

Try to find someone you can be honest with about your feelings, without judgement.

Be realistic

Taking too much on, you may feel as if you never achieve anything. Keep a clear idea about what you can do.

By accepting the things that you can't change or do alone, you may feel more able to cope.