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Suicide Prevention Guide

How to Help Someone Who May Be Suicidal

🚨 IF SOMEONE IS IN IMMEDIATE DANGER

988

Call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or 911

DO NOT leave them alone. Stay with them until help arrives.

You Can Save a Life

If you're reading this, you care about someone who may be struggling. That care matters more than you know. Suicide is preventable, and you can make a difference. This guide provides evidence-based information from NAMI, SAMHSA, and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

⚠️ Important: Asking about suicide does NOT increase risk

In fact, it shows you care and opens the door for them to get help.

⚠️ Warning Signs of Suicide

People considering suicide often show warning signs. The more signs present, the greater the risk.

🗣️ What They Say (Talk)

  • "I want to die"
  • "I wish I wasn't here"
  • "Everyone would be better off without me"
  • "I don't want to be here"
  • "I'm a burden"
  • "There's no point in living"
  • "I can't go on"

👀 What You See (Behavior)

  • Looking for ways to end their life (pills, weapons, etc.)
  • Researching ways to die
  • Giving away prized possessions
  • Saying goodbye to people
  • Withdrawing from activities and people
  • Sudden calmness after depression
  • Increased substance use

😔 How They Feel (Mood)

  • Talking about feeling hopeless
  • Expressing unbearable emotional pain
  • Feeling trapped with no way out
  • Being a burden to others
  • Extreme mood swings
  • Overwhelming anxiety or panic
  • Loss of interest in things they used to enjoy

How to Help: The 5 Steps

1️⃣ Ask

Be direct and caring:

"Are you thinking about suicide?"

"Are you thinking about ending your life?"

Don't be afraid to ask. Studies show asking about suicide does not increase risk and can actually reduce it by opening up communication.

2️⃣ Keep Them Safe

If they have a plan:

• Remove means of self-harm (medications, weapons, sharp objects)

• Don't leave them alone if actively suicidal

• Call 988 or take them to emergency room

3️⃣ Be There

Listen without judgment:

• Give them your full attention

• Don't try to fix everything

• Avoid saying "You have so much to live for"

• Say: "I'm here for you" and "You're not alone"

4️⃣ Help Them Connect

Get professional help:

• Call 988 together

• Text HELLO to 741741

• Contact their therapist if they have one

• Take them to ER if immediate danger

• Help schedule mental health appointment

5️⃣ Follow Up

Stay connected:

• Check in regularly (calls, texts, visits)

• Ask how they're doing

• Continue showing you care

• Help them keep appointments

The days and weeks after a crisis are critical.

📞 Crisis Resources

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or Text: 988

Online Chat: 988lifeline.org/chat

Free, confidential support 24/7 for people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

Crisis Text Line

Text HELLO to: 741741

24/7 text support with trained crisis counselors.

International Resources

Find a helpline in your country: findahelpline.com

International Association for Suicide Prevention: iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/

💚 Take Care of Yourself Too

Supporting someone who is suicidal can be emotionally exhausting and frightening. Remember:

• You are not responsible for keeping them alive - that's for professionals

• Set boundaries - you can't be available 24/7

• Seek support for yourself - talk to a therapist or counselor

• Practice self-care - you can't pour from an empty cup

• Know your limits - it's okay to say "I care about you, but I need to get professional help involved"

If They Won't Seek Help

You can still call 988 yourself for guidance. If you believe they are in immediate danger and won't get help voluntarily, call 911. It's better to have them angry at you than to lose them.