Thoughts of self-harm

Thoughts of self-harm is a health symptom with many possible causes, some minor and some needing medical assessment. Learn the warning signs, helpful questions to consider, and when to seek care.

🚨 Signs that need emergency care now

• 🔴 Thoughts of ending your life or hurting yourself, especially with a plan or the means
• 🔴 Feeling you cannot keep yourself safe right now
• 🔴 Having harmed yourself or taken too much of a medicine or substance
• 🔴 Do not stay alone: call 997, go to the nearest emergency department, or ask someone you trust to stay with you

Do not drive yourself if the pain or dizziness is severe.

What to do until help arrives

• Call 997 or go to the nearest emergency department now.
• Move medicines and anything you could use to hurt yourself out of reach, or ask someone to.
• Do not stay alone: contact someone you trust to stay with you.
• You can also call the Ministry of Health call centre on 937 for guidance.

Serious conditions doctors rule out first

• An acute mental-health crisis needing urgent assessment
• Severe depression
• The effect of a substance or medicine
• Severe temporary distress

Sources for the warning signs

• WHO — Suicide fact sheet

Questions that help clarify the picture

1. When did Thoughts of self-harm start, and was the onset sudden or gradual?
2. How severe is it now, and does it limit normal activity or sleep?
3. Does it get better or worse with movement, food, standing, rest, or a particular time?
4. Did any other new or unusual symptoms start with it?

When should I seek medical care?

Seek medical review if the symptom is severe, concerningly new, persistent, or worsening. If a clear red flag appears, seek emergency care immediately.

✓ At least one verified Saudi source and one independent global source are linked.

This page is general educational information, not a medical consultation. If symptoms are severe or worrying, contact a healthcare professional.