Counselling for Suicidal Thoughts

You don't have to keep difficult thoughts to yourself.

Thoughts about suicide can be frightening, confusing, or difficult to talk about. You might feel overwhelmed by what's happening, unsure what you want, or uncomfortable telling anyone what you've been thinking.

You may have been having these thoughts for a long time, or they may have started recently. You may want the thoughts to stop. You may not know what you want. You may simply know that you're struggling and don't want to keep carrying it on your own.

You can talk about what's happening without having to have all the answers.

At Sholinder Counselling Collective, we provide a calm, compassionate space to talk about suicidal thoughts without judgment. We'll work together to understand what's happening, identify what might help, and develop practical ways to support your safety and wellbeing.

 FAQs

 

  • Suicidal thoughts don't look or feel exactly the same for everyone.

    You might experience:

    • Thoughts about not wanting to be here

    • Feeling like things would be easier if you weren't around

    • Wondering what it would be like to die

    • Feeling trapped or unable to see a way forward

    • Feeling like you're a burden to other people

    • Feeling exhausted by everything you're dealing with

    • Thoughts about hurting yourself or ending your life

    • Feeling frightened by thoughts that you don't actually want to have

    • Feeling unsure about whether you want to live

    Sometimes these thoughts can feel very direct. Other times, they can be more difficult to put into words.

    You don't have to wait until you're certain what the thoughts mean before talking to someone.

  • Sometimes people experience suicidal thoughts without actually wanting their life to end.

    You might want the pain, pressure, or situation you're experiencing to stop rather than wanting your life to stop.

    You might be thinking, “I don't want to die. I just don't know how to keep doing this.”

    That distinction can be important, but you don't need to figure it out by yourself.

    We can make space to understand what's happening and what you need.

  • Talking about suicidal thoughts in counselling doesn't mean you'll be judged, punished, or automatically sent somewhere else.

    We will take what you're experiencing seriously and talk openly about your safety.

    Depending on what's happening, counselling may involve:

    • Understanding what's contributing to suicidal thoughts

    • Identifying situations that make things harder

    • Exploring ways to manage overwhelming emotions

    • Building practical coping strategies

    • Identifying people and resources you can turn to

    • Creating a safety plan when appropriate

    • Exploring experiences or patterns that may be contributing to how you're feeling

    • Finding reasons, relationships, values, and other things that can help you stay connected to life

    The focus will depend on what you need.

    You won't be expected to have everything figured out before you start.

  • It can be difficult to tell someone you're having suicidal thoughts.

    You might worry they'll overreact. You might be afraid they'll think you're attention-seeking, dramatic, or a danger to yourself. You might worry about what will happen if you tell the truth.

    You deserve to be able to talk honestly about what you're experiencing.

    We won't assume we know what your thoughts mean or why you're having them.

    We'll ask questions, listen, and work with you to understand what's happening.

  • You might feel conflicted about reaching out.

    Part of you may want things to change, while another part of you feels tired, hopeless, or unsure whether anything will actually help.

    You don't need to make a big commitment to counselling before talking to someone.

    A free 15-minute consultation can simply be a chance to ask questions and talk about what you're looking for.

  • If someone you care about is experiencing suicidal thoughts, you may not know what to say or how involved you should be.

    You might be worried about saying the wrong thing, making things worse, or missing something important.

    Counselling can provide support for parents, caregivers, partners, and other people who are trying to support someone they care about.

    We can help you think through how to have conversations about safety, how to stay connected, and what additional support may be needed.

  • Suicidal thoughts can range from thoughts that come and go to situations where someone is at immediate risk of acting on them.

    Counselling can be part of ongoing support, but it isn't an emergency service.

    If you're in immediate danger, have a plan or intention to act on suicidal thoughts, or don't feel you can keep yourself safe, please seek immediate emergency or crisis support rather than waiting for a counselling appointment.

    If you're unsure about your level of safety, it's okay to reach out for urgent support.

  • Talking about suicidal thoughts can feel vulnerable, and having a counsellor you trust matters.

    Different counsellors have different approaches, experiences, and ways of working. It's okay to ask questions and take some time to find someone you feel comfortable talking with.

    You deserve support that takes you seriously while still seeing you as a whole person—not just your suicidal thoughts.

    We'll start where you are and work together from there.