Call us now 01926 402 498
Experiencing Suicidal Thoughts
Support and guidance for adult survivors of sexual abuse experiencing suicidal thoughts. Find ways to stay safe and access professional help.
Understanding Suicidality After Sexual Abuse
Experiencing sexual abuse can leave deep emotional and psychological scars. Trauma can affect your ability to cope with stress, regulate emotions, and feel safe in your body or relationships. Survivors of abuse may experience:
-
Persistent feelings of shame, guilt, or self-blame.
-
Anxiety, panic, or difficulty trusting others.
-
Intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or nightmares.
-
Social withdrawal, isolation, or difficulty maintaining relationships.
-
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide as a way to cope with unbearable distress.
These reactions are normal responses to trauma. There is no “right” way to respond, and experiencing suicidal thoughts does not mean you are weak or failing. In 2024, 61% of callers to our National Male Survivor Helpline reported experiencing suicidal thoughts. People of any gender and age can experience this. You are not alone, and help is available.
Recognising Signs of Crisis
Talking or writing about wanting to die, hopelessness, or feeling trapped.
Increased substance use as a coping mechanism.
Self-harm or other harmful behaviours.
Withdrawing from social contact or abandoning routines.
Giving away possessions, saying goodbye, or preparing for death.
If you notice these signs in yourself, it is important to seek help immediately. You do not have to manage this alone.
Why Suicidal Thoughts Can Occur
Survivors may experience suicidal thoughts for many reasons, including:
-
Overwhelming emotional pain: The lasting impact of abuse can feel unbearable.
-
Guilt and shame: Feeling responsible for the abuse can create self-punishing thoughts.
-
Isolation: Trauma can make it difficult to trust others or ask for help.
-
Co-occurring mental health issues: Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other conditions often accompany trauma.
-
Repeated trauma: Ongoing or multiple experiences of abuse can exacerbate suicidal ideation.
Understanding that these thoughts are a response to trauma, not a reflection of your worth, is a big step toward feeling safer.
Steps to Stay Safe
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, your safety is the most important priority. Strategies include:
-
Reach out for support: Talk to someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, or support worker.
- Remove items that could be used to harm yourself, if possible.
-
Contact professional services: Trained counsellors and therapists can help you process trauma safely.
-
Create a safety plan: Identify warning signs, coping strategies, and emergency contacts.
-
Use crisis resources: In moments of immediate risk, crisis lines are available 24/7.
If you feel you may act on suicidal thoughts, call 999 immediately.
Immediate Support
Coping Strategies
While professional support is essential, some strategies may help you manage distress in the moment:
Journaling or creative expression to release feelings safely.
Connecting with supportive friends, family, or support groups.
Personal Experiences
“There were days I felt like I couldn’t go on. I blamed myself, I felt worthless. Reaching out for help felt impossible but talking to someone who understood made me realise I wasn’t alone.”
Counselling Client
“I sat out by the river with a drink in my hand hoping someone would come and accidently push me. I don’t know why I don’t just do it, just jump… But I come here and talk to you, you’re the only one that listens to my rants, over the years I’ve had support but they’ve all done their job and left but you stayed, and I know I’m not just a job to you.”
Independent Sexual Violence Advocacy Client
“At Safeline, I am heard, believed, understood and unjudged, particularly when describing the degrading and life-threatening abuse I encountered. Without Safeline, it is highly probable I would have ceased my life.”
Male Client
Healing Is Possible
Suicidal thoughts can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, people survive, heal, and regain hope. Healing doesn’t erase the past, but it can reduce distress, increase safety, and help you reclaim control.
You are not to blame for the abuse, and you do not have to cope with suicidal thoughts alone. Help is available, and you deserve support.