Self Harm and Suicidal thoughts and ideation

thanks

Dear James19932024,  

Thank you for posting and telling the community what you are going through. Thank you for sharing your experience with the Online Community. It is good that you’ve let us know what’s happening/how you feel. Many people have similar thoughts when coping with so much and we hope you’re okay.     

 If you are unable to cope with the distress or despair, it’s very important to tell someone about your feelings or thoughts of suicide. Call your GP and make an urgent appointment. Your GP can make sure you get appropriate help and support  

The National Autistic Society does not currently operate a crisis or emergency service. We advise you to contact 999 or any of the mental health crisis lines listed on our Urgent Help Page if you are at risk of immediate harm: https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/help-and-support/urgent-help  

If you are not at immediate risk of harm, we would encourage you to speak to your GP or another health professional about this if you haven’t done so already. If it’s outside your GP hours call 111 to reach the NHS 111 service. In in England, Wales and Scotland there is now an option to speak with mental health professionals by selecting ‘option 2’ when calling NHS 111: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-use-111/  

Help for anyone struggling to cope  

• Samaritans: Call 116 123 for free, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  

• Mind Infoline: 0300 1233393 for information and signposting (9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday)   

• SANEline: 0300 304 7000 for anyone experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else (4.30pm to 10.30pm, every day)  

• Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): for men 0800 58 58 58, (5pm to midnight every day).    

• Shout 85258: a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone struggling to cope.  

We hope this is helpful to you.  

Kind regards,

Rosie Mod  

Thank you. 

Thank you for this

I'll also just share this link, which explains how anyone affected by these issues can seek urgent help, including from various helplines:

NAS - Urgent help

James19932024 said:

is this "normal" and why do i / we feel like this?

I'm very sorry to hear of your struggles. According to the NAS:

"Self-harm can affect anyone. Some studies suggest that: 

- Autistic people are more likely to self-harm than non-autistic people
- Autistic women are more likely to self-harm than autistic men."

"Research suggests that autistic people are at an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts, compared to non-autistic people"

You might find these resources helpful; they explain more about how these issues can affect us as autistic people, and also provide information about strategies that might help with the issues, and how to get help:

NAS - Self harm

NAS - Suicide

NAS - Seeking help with mental health

thanks, yes, im in the UK. hopefully, if i can make it to 1st 2025, it'll be 2 years clean, thats my goal

I think that's understandable. I think that it's again important to reach out. I know that that is difficult during a meltdown, but if you can't speak SHOUT offer a text support service. Text 85258. If you are in the UK. I believe that it's free of charge.

I guess it's also learning how to reduce our meltdowns if we can and be kinder to ourselves. Self care comes in many forms and is different for each of us. 

I am personally trying to find a balance in my life, and am trying to make the time for the few things I enjoy ( even if it's just for 10 minutes a day). These things give us meaning and sometimes purpose. 

And James, look how far that you have come. We need to give ourselves credit. Sometimes we don't realise our achievements until they are pointed out to us. 

also, when ever im depressed or in a major meltdown, im frightened / scared that im gonna SH again, but i know [content removed by Moderator due to breaches of rule 4 of the online community rules and guidelines]

also, when ever im depressed or in a major meltdown, im frightened / scared that im gonna SH again, but i know where [content removed by Moderator due to breaches of rule 4 of the online community rules and guidelines]

Very sadly, the statistics do show that autists do  struggle more in this area. 

All I can say is to all of us that feel like this is reach out and talk about how you are feeling. Whether it's to a friend, family member or the relevant services.

It's important to remember that despite how dire things can seem, that these feelings/emotions do not last. Despite what our thoughts may be telling us at the time. And people do care. You are not alone and you are loved. 

I know it's hard, and that you can feel consumed. But honestly people do care. I care.  

I can't really offer any explanation unfortunately, but what I can tell you is that it is quite normal. Suicidal thoughts regularly comes up on forums and is mentioned extensively in books, and many people with Autism die by suicide. So, yes, it is normal. 

I have spent many periods of my own life feeling suicidal, so you have my sympathy.