If you’re in prison or supporting someone who is, suicide and self-harm awareness can be life-saving. This guide covers what support is available, how to access it, and why reaching out matters.
Understanding Suicide Risk in Custody
Prison is inherently stressful. You’re separated from family, your freedom is restricted, and uncertainty about the future weighs heavily. These pressures contribute to higher suicide rates in custody than in the general population. But support exists—and it works.
Suicide is preventable. Most people experiencing suicidal thoughts want help, even if they don’t know how to ask for it. Prison healthcare teams are trained to recognise warning signs and respond immediately.
Warning Signs You Should Know
If you or someone around you shows these signs, crisis support is needed:
- Talking about ending your life or feeling hopeless
- Sudden mood changes—from depressed to surprisingly calm
- Giving away possessions or saying goodbye
- Increased self-harm (cutting, hitting yourself)
- Withdrawing from others, spending long periods alone
- Not eating or caring for yourself
- Talking about being a burden or better off dead
- Expressing feelings of unbearable pain
These aren’t just “warning signs”—they’re real distress signals. Take them seriously.
Immediate Crisis Support
If Someone Is in Immediate Danger
If you or someone nearby is in immediate danger:
- Tell a staff member immediately – any officer, healthcare worker, or trusted staff member
- Press the emergency call bell in your cell
- Go to healthcare if you can safely do so
- Tell another prisoner if you can’t reach staff—they can alert an officer
Do not wait. Do not feel embarrassed. Emergency response is part of prison healthcare.
What Happens After You Report
Once staff are informed:
- You’ll be moved to a safe location (often the healthcare unit or observation cell)
- A healthcare professional will assess you immediately
- Mental health specialists may be brought in
- A safety plan will be created for you
- Your family may be notified (depending on your preference and circumstances)
Reporting suicidal thoughts does not automatically result in punishment or added sentence time. Prison rules protect people seeking mental health support.
The Listeners Scheme
One of the most effective peer support programmes in UK prisons is the Listeners Scheme, run in partnership with the Samaritans.
What Are Listeners?
Listeners are trained prisoners who provide confidential, non-judgmental support to other prisoners. They’re not staff—they’re people like you, trained to listen and help you work through difficult feelings.
Accessing Listeners
- Ask any staff member for a Listeners phone number
- You can request a Listener visit to your cell
- Conversations are confidential—only disclosed if there’s immediate danger
- Available 24/7 in most prisons
- Completely free and voluntary
What Listeners Can Do
Listeners can help you:
- Talk through suicidal thoughts in a safe environment
- Explore what’s driving these feelings
- Connect you with professional support if needed
- Visit regularly to provide ongoing support
- Help you feel less alone
Research shows Listeners significantly reduce suicide rates. Prisons with active Listeners programmes have lower suicide attempts.
Professional Mental Health Support
Healthcare Assessment
If you’re struggling, request a mental health assessment from healthcare. You can:
- Ask your wing officer to refer you
- Submit a healthcare request form
- Request an emergency assessment if in crisis
Mental Health Treatment Options
Depending on your situation, prison healthcare can offer:
- Counselling – talking therapy with a trained counsellor
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – structured therapy for changing thought patterns
- Medication – if appropriate for depression, anxiety, or other conditions
- Crisis support – immediate care during acute distress
- Group support – therapy groups focused on mental health, trauma, or specific issues
Mental Health In-reach Teams
Many larger prisons have mental health specialists available:
- Psychiatrists
- Psychologists
- Mental health nurses
- Occupational therapists
These specialists can diagnose conditions, prescribe medication, and provide therapy.
Your Rights During Mental Health Crisis
When accessing mental health support, you have the right to:
- Confidentiality (with limited exceptions for immediate danger)
- Respectful, non-judgmental treatment
- Clear information about any treatment
- Consent to treatment where possible
- Second opinions if you disagree with care
- A written care plan
- Regular review of your progress
Coping Strategies While in Prison
Daily Practices That Help
- Physical activity – exercise improves mood and reduces anxiety
- Routine – structure gives your day purpose
- Connection – maintain relationships with family and trusted friends inside
- Sleep – aim for consistent sleep patterns
- Nutrition – eating well supports mental health
- Creative outlets – art, writing, music provide healthy expression
- Reading – distraction and learning
- Peer support – talk to others facing similar struggles
What to Avoid
- Isolation – the more alone you are, the worse you’ll feel
- Substance misuse – drugs and alcohol amplify depression
- Rumination – dwelling on regrets feeds hopelessness
- Comparing yourself to others – everyone’s situation is different
Supporting Someone Else in Crisis
If another prisoner is expressing suicidal thoughts:
- Take it seriously – never dismiss their feelings
- Listen without judgment – let them talk
- Encourage professional help – suggest they speak to healthcare or a Listener
- Alert staff – if there’s immediate danger, inform an officer
- Stay connected – isolation increases risk
- Don’t promise to keep secrets about suicide – safety comes first
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will reporting suicidal thoughts go on my prison record?
A: Mental health crises are medical issues, not disciplinary matters. Seeking help is not a breach of prison rules and won’t result in additional punishment. Healthcare records are confidential and separate from discipline records.
Q: Can I speak to someone confidentially?
A: Yes. Listeners, counsellors, and healthcare staff provide confidential support. The only exception is if there’s immediate danger to yourself or others.
Q: What if I’m too embarrassed to ask for help?
A: Suicidal thoughts are more common in prison than you’d expect. Staff have heard it before. There’s nothing shameful about struggling—seeking help shows strength, not weakness.
Q: How long does it take to get mental health support?
A: Emergency crises receive immediate response. Routine referrals typically take 1-4 weeks depending on the prison and your urgency. If you’re waiting and struggling, ask for updates on your referral.
Q: What if the medication doesn’t work?
A: Mental health treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. If your current medication isn’t helping, ask for a review. Healthcare can adjust dosage, switch medications, or combine approaches. Be patient—it can take 4-6 weeks to see full effects.
Q: Can my family be involved in my care?
A: Yes, with your consent. You can ask for family to be included in care planning, or just to be notified of your condition. Family support during crisis is valuable—ask healthcare about involving them.
External Support Resources
Beyond Prison Healthcare
Several external organisations provide support to prisoners:
- Samaritans – 116 123 (available to some prisons for phone access)
- Mind – mental health information and support (accessible via prison library)
- Rethink Mental Illness – peer support and information
- Prison Fellowship – holistic support and peer mentoring
- St Giles Trust – peer mentoring for mental health and reintegration
After Release
Mental health support doesn’t end when you leave prison. Before release, healthcare should arrange:
- Community mental health referrals
- GP registration
- Medication continuity
- Contact details for local support services
- Crisis contact numbers for your area
Key Takeaways
- Suicidal thoughts are treatable – crisis support works and saves lives
- Help is available now – tell any staff member, call the bell, or request a Listener
- You won’t be punished – seeking mental health support is protected
- You’re not alone – many prisoners struggle with these feelings
- Recovery is possible – with proper support, people move beyond crisis
If you’re struggling right now, reach out today. Tell a staff member, request healthcare, ask for a Listener. You deserve support, and help is available.
