Today, the 10th of September, is World Suicide Prevention Day, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and share hope. At Carers Support West Sussex, we want to take this moment to speak directly to you, as a carer, who so often put the needs of others above your own.
Caring can be rewarding, but it can also be exhausting
We understand that looking after someone, day in and day out, can take its toll, physically, emotionally, and mentally. The weight of responsibility. The sleepless nights. The fear of getting it wrong. Many carers tell us they feel invisible, isolated, or trapped. And sometimes, those feelings grow heavy.
It’s okay to admit that it’s hard.
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed.
And it’s more than okay to ask for help.
If you’re struggling with dark thoughts, you are not alone
It’s not uncommon for carers to experience feelings of hopelessness or despair, especially when you feel like you’re carrying the world on your shoulders. Sometimes, these thoughts can become overwhelming, and it might feel like there’s no way out.
But there is help.
There are people who care about you.
And there are resources designed especially for moments like this.
Stay Alive App | A free, safe space in your pocket
One of the most powerful tools available is the Stay Alive app, a free, confidential suicide prevention resource for anyone in the UK. So please do share this information to help raise awareness of this wonderful resource.
You can use it whether you’re in crisis now, feeling low, or simply want to prepare for harder days ahead. Some of its most helpful features include:
- A Safety Plan, where you can map out steps and contacts to turn to in a crisis
- A LifeBox, where you can store photos, notes, and reminders of what matters to you
- Grounding techniques and calming exercises for anxious moments
- Local and national support services, all in one place
- A section to write down your Reasons for Living, to revisit when hope feels far away
Download it free on iOS or Android, You don’t have to talk to anyone. You don’t even have to explain. The app is a private space for you, to feel held, even when everything feels like too much.
Where else can you turn in West Sussex?
If you’re feeling like you can’t cope, or you just need someone to talk to in a confidential and non-judgmental space, the following services are here to support you:
- Text “SUSSEX” to 85258 – for free, anonymous 24/7 mental health support
- Call Samaritans 116 123 – available 24 hours a day
- Call NHS 111 and press option 2 – for urgent mental health advice
- Your GP – they can support your mental health, not just physical care
You don’t have to wait for a crisis to ask for help. Many of these services are there for early support too.
Caring doesn’t mean carrying everything alone
We know many carers are used to “just getting on with it.” You may feel like you have to be strong for the person you care for, or that there’s no time to think about your own needs. But your wellbeing matters just as much.
This World Suicide Prevention Day, we want to remind you of something simple but vital:
You matter.
You are not alone.
There is help—whenever you’re ready.
If you take one message away from this, let it be this: You deserve support just as much as anyone else.
