The difficult bit   Given that it is your life which is at stake here - and the sanity of your loved ones. The next step is to transform the struggle from "not to be" (in an intolerable situation) into "to be" (in a happier one).   This process requires certain steps and hard work by each one of us. But this struggle is all-important and will be worth it - after all death is no real alternative. But we must not forget,  we are not alone. Millions of others have survived this so why shouldn't we? The important thing now is for us to take the really difficult step and approach someone we can confide in.   It is imperative that we reach out from where we are. We need to speak with someone who is prepared to listen. In a perfect world this would be a loved one or relative. But, this isn't a perfect world.   However, whoever we choose, it will be not be easy. Let's be honest It'll be bloody difficult. How does one break such news to people you are closed to? It won't be easy..... But we really have no choice, and in the long run it will be worth it.   One of the biggest obstacles is not knowing how to explain the confusion we are feeling. Especially when the person we really need to be speaking with might even be the one 'responsible' (in some measure)  for how we are feeling.   How we make someone aware of what we are going through will vary from person to person. Some will prefer a direct no nonsense face-to-face approach, whilst others, may write lengthy documents. Whatever, approach we choose, it is vital that we open this dialogue.    One approach might be to not throw them in at the deep end, but allow them a gentler introduction. This person may have been aware that there is a something seriously wrong and has been worried about you.   Slowly explain what you are going through. Perhaps you could even use the DASI website as a means of breaking the ice. Possibly pointing out a passage to them and adding "this is how I feel". Or "this is what I'm going through". By doing this together it could be a very positive first step for both of you - I hope.   Other things you can do is   Avoid using alcohol or recreational drugs to block reality out. This usually only serves to make matters worse. Although it is appealing and often far too convenient to ignore, try to avoid it. The bottom line here is that successful suicides can be the result of impulse - And, alcohol often makes us impulsive.   Try to sleep. Even daytime catnaps will help to calm. If sleep seems impossible, periods of rest can be a great help. Remember that alcohol is not a sedative it is a sleep disrupter.    Talk to someone who is a good listener.     Avoid self isolation.     Don't panic you are not going mad.     As a last resort call The Samaritans ( or equivalent organisations outside of the UK and Republic of Ireland) or the Emergency Services . I've also produced a personal message, if you want to read it. But, it's ok if you don't - it's not obligatory. Another Recap   Most people have suicidal thoughts and feelings at some point in their lives; this is a natural response when pain overwhelms the body's capacity to cope with that pain.   Almost all suicidal people have conditions which will pass with time and/or assistance and/or a recovery programme. In the meantime, there are hundreds of steps one can take to improve the situation for those of us going through a crisis. These could save lives and prevent a great deal of human suffering.   The road to recovery   It would be foolish to pretend that the road to recovery will be short and filled with happiness. It is more likely to be long and filled with sorrow and disappointment. It will take our best efforts and our perseverence. I'm sure that we'll all falter and stumble, but that's only to be expected - we're only human after all.   Whilst everyone's journey will be unique - they must surely share the same common characteristics.   The experts are uniform in their insistence that the first major obstacle we are required to acknowledge is our pain - and also acknowledge what caused it. We also need to accept that whatever caused our pain also hurt our bodies,  minds and emotions To accomplish what we need to accomplish we need the support of human beings who empathetically understand our pain, and will be able to share coping strategies and mutual support with us. Support groups are ideal to meet this need.   At some point, we may well consider reaching out for professional help. A therapist or counsellor who each one of us -  as individuals -  feel comfortable and at ease with.   One thing which appears to be universally agreed upon is the need for each of us to share our feelings with someone -family and friends - if possible. Having taken the bold decision to communicate with someone and lay bare the hurt within you; the next step is to find someone to confide in.   At this point psychiatrists, priests and doctors are 'customarily' recommended as a first contact.  In truth, I personally have a problem with approaching these people as the first step to recovery.   First contact is all important.   Some psychiatrists will be listening from the viewpoint of defining us as a mental illness: Considering whether or not to place us in a secure environment and what dosage of anti-depressants to prescribe.   Many priests believe that suicide is an unpardonable sin, and some could truly believe that we will burn in Hell. Whilst doctors (who have the highest suicide rate of any profession) will be inclined to prescribe medication and refer you to a psychiatrist.   Having said that, it could be that the overwhelming majority of priests , doctors and psychiatrists would be the perfect point of first contact.   If, initially, you are reluctant to speak with a person face-to-face you could also consider telephone helplines. These are ideally suited to provide the help, support and humanity required. If you'd rather not talk with anyone there are now more and more email and text messaging options available. This is of course your choice - please make it wisely.   The important question now is deciding who you can communicate with as a first contact. Generally, a loved one or a close friend is the obvious choice, but possibly,not always the easiest choice.   The problem here is that we don't want to trouble or worry those close to us. We don't want to become a burden on them, nor let them down. We are anxious about what they will think of us, and we are worried about being rejected by them.   These feelings are natual and commendable but (in the situation you are in) must be overcome. IT IS YOUR LIFE AT STAKE. You cannot afford the luxury of such thoughts.   .