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Suicide

Please be aware that the National Autistic Society does not offer a crisis or emergency service. UK residents can access urgent help or support by contacting the services listed on our urgent help page.

If you feel like you might attempt suicide or are unable to keep yourself safe:

  • Call 999 and ask for an ambulance
  • Go to any hospital's accident and emergency (A&E) department (sometimes known as the emergency department).

If you cannot do this by yourself, ask someone to help you.

Warning: Information on suicide may be potentially triggering or upsetting to read. There are contact details of support services below. 

 

Suicide is the act of intentionally taking your own life. Suicidal feelings can range from having thoughts about suicide, to actively making plans to take your own life. Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone but research suggests that autistic people are more at risk than non-autistic people.  

Suicidal feelings should be treated seriously.  If you experience suicidal feelings then you should get professional help and support as soon as possible. 

What are suicidal feelings?

The mental health charity Mind state: 

“Suicidal feelings can mean having abstract thoughts about ending your life or feeling that people would be better off without you. Or it can mean thinking about methods of suicide or making clear plans to take your own life.”  

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, you may feel: 

  • hopeless, like there is no point in living
  • overwhelmed by negative thoughts 
  • not wanted or needed by others 
  • desperate, as if you have no other choice. 
     

What are the warning signs someone is feeling suicidal?

The signs that someone may be feeling suicidal can be hard to see, as they may find it difficult to discuss.

Any changes in mood, habits and behaviour might be an indication. Signs can include:  

  • making preparations, such as storing up medication
  • getting a will organised/giving away belongings  
  • changes in weight/appetite  
  • lack of self-care, for example hygiene  
  • acting recklessly. 

Some people may appear calm before attempting suicide. Read more about warning signs on the Mind website.
 

Why might you feel suicidal?

Reasons for suicidal thoughts vary and some people may not know why they feel suicidal. The most common reasons affect both autistic and non-autistic people, but autistic people may be more likely to experience them, such as: 

  • existing mental health issues 
  • trauma or stressful experiences ( relationship/financial/work worries) 
  • loneliness/social isolation.

Daily life in general can be more challenging for autistic people. For example, differences in understanding social situations and relationships, and being misunderstood or not accepted by non-autistic people can all increase anxiety and stress. This can lead to social isolation, rejection and low self-esteem.  

Autistic people may face other experiences that can cause them to feel suicidal, including: 

  • repetitive thinking which may lead to an intense focus on suicide   
  • unmet support needs/poor access to health care   
  • difficulties recognising, managing and regulating emotions (alexithymia).  

Some autistic people suggest that an earlier autism diagnosis may have prevented thoughts or attempts of suicide. They feel it would have given them better self-understanding and access to support, which would have improved their mental wellbeing.

 

How common is suicide for autistic people?

Research suggests that autistic people are at an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts, compared to non-autistic people. The exact numbers, however, are unknown.  

 

How do I get help and support?

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should call 999 or go to a hospital A&E department.

If you are not in immediate danger but want support you could:

  • Call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org – they are always open and are there to listen
  • Contact your GP, or if out of hours call NHS 111 (England, Scotland and Northern Ireland) or NHS Direct 0845 46 47 (Wales). 

Your GP can discuss the situation with you and may offer medication for any underlying mental health conditions. They may refer you to a community mental health team for further support and treatment.

GPs may also refer you to crisis services, such as:

  • crisis resolution and home treatment teams (CRHT) - can support you if you have a mental health crisis outside of hospital
  • crisis houses – intensive short-term support in residential placements, not hospitals
  • local support services. 

Under 18s may be referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) for assessment. 

There are also online communities offering support:

  • TogetherAll – online community offering support from trained professionals and peer support
  • Side by Side – Mind’s online community offering peer support.

Therapies

Your GP or crisis service may offer you talking therapies, such as: 

  • cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)  
  • dialectic behavioural therapy (DBT) – similar to CBT but focuses more on acceptance and change techniques.

Ideally, all treatments should be delivered by a professional with a good understanding of autism. More importantly, support should be adapted to a person’s specific needs to make it accessible and effective. Visit our Seeking help with mental health page for more advice. 

In England, there is statutory guidance that states autistic adults should have support adapted to their needs if they have a mental health difficulty.  

Search our Autism Service Directory for details of counsellors and therapists in your area with experience of working with autistic people.

Medication

You may be offered medication, such as antidepressants, to treat underlying mental health conditions that cause suicidal feelings such as depression or anxiety. Although guidelines consider antidepressants are generally useful and safe, there is very little research into whether they help treat depression in autistic people. Existing research suggests autistic people may be more likely to experience side effects such as drowsiness, irritability and reduced activity.  

Antidepressants should be carefully considered and closely monitored by a medical professional.  

Strategies and advice

Try and speak about your feelings to someone you trust. Take things minute by minute, and try to challenge the negative thoughts you are having about yourself.  

You might find it helpful to make a safety plan for when you are starting to feel low or suicidal. The plan should be personal to you but could include:  

  • warning signs for you and others to look out for 
  • details of coping/distraction ideas   
  • contact details of individuals (friends/family) and organisations/agencies that can offer help  
  • steps to make your immediate environment safe, or details of a safe place you could go to.  

The NHS recommends the Staying Safe plan. The Mental Health Autism group have produced a safety plan specifically for autistic people. Family/carers can also use this plan to support someone at risk of suicide. 

Read more about support and treatment from Mind.

Links, resources and article sources

Anxiety

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Depression

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Diagnosis

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Seeking help with mental health

More

Sensory differences

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Last reviewed: March 20221

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