Suicide Prevention Resources
Starting a conversation about suicide can be the most important thing you do for a friend or loved one, but it's scary if you don't know what to say. Pain isn’t always obvious. Most suicidal people show some signs that they are thinking about suicide. If you see even one warning sign, step in or speak up. Take the time to learn what to do now, so you’re ready to be there for a friend or loved one when it matters most. Visit suicideispreventable.org.
If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, immediate help is available. Please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or explore the other resources on this page.
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Q. Do people who are thinking about suicide show some warning signs?
A. Yes. See next question.
Q. What are the warning signs of suicide?
A. Signs to watch for:
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Investigating ways to kill themselves, including online searches for materials or means
- Acting recklessly
- Withdrawing from activities
- Isolating themselves from family and friends
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
- Giving away prized possessions
- Aggression
Q. Is it dangerous to mention suicide directly to someone who may be at risk?
A. No. Lots of research shows that talking about suicide does not increase the risk.
Q. What are some things that are important to talk about as part of a safety plan?
A. Removing access to weapons, asking what would keep them safe, asking for a promise not to use drugs or alcohol until help is available, Seeking a promise that they will not hurt themselves until they have met with a professional, identifying people who can help if the urges return, identifying professionals and hotlines they can call if the urges return, identifying people and settings that can provide distractions, identifying internal coping strategies (meditation, exercise, music, particular music, etc.).
Q. Are there resources that can help someone who may be suicidal?
A. Yes! See the resources listed on this webpage!
Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, providing access to free, 24/7 support and information via the medium people already use and trust: text. Here’s how it works:
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Text START to 741-741 from anywhere in the USA, anytime, about any type of crisis.
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A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds quickly.
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The volunteer Crisis Counselor will help you move from a hot moment to a cool moment.
Disclaimer: These apps are intended to be supplemental resources to help people who may be at risk for suicide, but they are not meant to replace medical or mental-health advice. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please seek professional help.
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A Friend Asks by the Jason Foundation aims to teach its users how to recognize the signs that someone close to them may be thinking about suicide, and how to reach out to them proactively. The app provides users with a list of common warning signs of suicide ideation, do's and don'ts for such a sensitive situation, and easy access to resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. |
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MY3 aims to keep you connected to your core network, asking you to choose three close contacts, such as friends, family, loved ones or your therapist, that you feel comfortable reaching out to whenever you feel down. In addition, MY3 helps you build your own Safety Plan, asking you to think through and list your own warning signs, coping strategies and support network, so that you can easily act when you recognize your warning signs. |
Many youth have binge watched the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why. Social media posts and peers encourage them to watch the show. We are particularly concerned about those youth who may be struggling with how to make sense of the subject matter, which includes suicide and sexual assault. 13 Reasons Why focuses on an adolescent girl who killed herself and left behind a series of audio recordings that explain reasons why she committed suicide.
The series is rated TV- MA, and child psychiatrists and other mental health experts urge parents to not allow children to watch it, and if they are watching it their parent should watch it with them. You should be aware that millions of children are watching without parental knowledge, and this could include your child.
Absolutely no child with a history of depression or suicidal thinking should watch it.
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