When someone is struggling, it can be hard to know what to do, how to act, or what to say. Learn the steps you can take to have a positive impact.
- Don’t be afraid to talk about suicide directly. Whether you’re thinking about suicide or concerned about someone else, the most important thing is to talk about it. If someone confides in you, you can simply listen and encourage them to seek help.
- Educate yourself. Take the time to learn about suicide. Learn what to say and what to do if someone you know is struggling.
- Know the warning signs. Keep an eye out for any changes, especially in behavior. Listen for expressions of worthlessness, sadness, isolation, or anger. Watch for either acting out or withdrawal, especially in teenagers.
- Create safe places. If someone you know has considered specific methods for self-harm, help them remove all easy access to that method from their immediate environment. For instance, if someone has considered using a gun for self-harm, removing all firearms or safely locking them away can make all the difference in a crisis.
- Get help when needed. To learn more about resources available to our members click here. For immediate help for any mental health crisis, including thoughts of suicide, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
If you feel like you can’t cope or that your life isn’t worth living — or if you need crisis resources for a loved one — get help now. People are available 24/7 to support you.
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Crisis Text Line: Text WORDS to 741741.
