Individuals
If you or someone you know is currently experiencing a crisis or is in need of emotional support:
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Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Lifeline
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Text “HOME” to 741-741 for the Crisis Text Line
If you think someone you know may be having thoughts of suicide:
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Look for warning signs. These could include:
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Directly talking about suicide
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Collecting lethal means like a gun or pills
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Acting withdrawn, experiencing mood swings, or other changes in behavior
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Giving away belongings
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Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
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Saying goodbye
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Ask the person directly if they are having thoughts of killing themselves. Studies have repeatedly shown that this question will not put the idea in someone’s head and helps the person feel understood and less alone.
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Ask if the person has access to weapons or things that can be used to harm themselves. Work with them to remove these from their environment.
Check out AFSP’s #RealConvo Guide or the 988 page for Helping Someone Else for more guidance on having this important conversation.
If someone has attempted suicide or is at immediate risk:
It’s important to take all signs of suicidal thoughts and behavior seriously. Everyone has a responsibility to prevent suicide.
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Seek professional help
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Do not leave the individual alone.
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Call 911 or, if you feel safe, take the person directly to the nearest emergency department.
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Contact the individual’s family member or friend to share what happened.
If you are thinking about suicide:
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Think about activities that you enjoy. Consider going on a walk, making a recipe, reading a book, or watching a movie you love.
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Write down your feelings. If you feel comfortable, share them with someone you trust.
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Reach out to a loved one and let them know you could use some support.
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Contact a helpline like 988 (call, text, or chat) or Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741-741) to talk to a trained crisis counselor who is there to listen, 24/7.
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Remove anything from your environment that you are thinking of using to hurt yourself. If possible, involve a family member or trusted friend to help you do this.
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Think about all the people, activities, and parts of your life that provide you reasons for living.
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If you want to fill out a form with these coping strategies and sources of support, you can access the Safety Planning form here.
If you’ve lost someone to suicide:
We are so sorry for your loss. Suicide loss is complex, and the grief that accompanies the loss can often feel challenging to bear. Healing is possible though, and we encourage you to consider the following strategies:
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Seek professional help
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Connect with virtual or in-person support groups
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Remember your loved one and honor their memory
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Express your emotions
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Practice self-care
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Accept that healing takes time
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Seek support from a religious or spiritual community, if applicable
Remember that you are not alone. There is a community of people who have experienced suicide loss and is available to provide support. You can find support for survivors of suicide loss at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, and the American Association of Suicidology.
