
Suicide Prevention
If you need help, call the suicide prevention lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Signs & Symptoms
We can all play a pivotal role in preventing suicide by learning to recognize the signs and symptoms:
- Displaying extreme mood swings
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- Talking about wanting to die
- Withdrawing or isolating themselves
View more information about the warning signs of suicide (PDF).
Learn How to Help
- Change your language. The word "committed" is often a negative term. So say, "lost to suicide."
- Everyone can play a role in suicide prevention.
Resources

Be The One To
- Ask the Tough Questions: "Are you thinking about killing yourself?"
- Keep Them Safe: Ask if they have thought about ways to do it. Separate them from anything they are thinking of using to hurt themselves.
- Be There: Listen to their reasons for feeling in pain. Listen without judgment and with empathy.
- Help Them Connect: Help your loved one to connect to a support system like 1-800-273-8255
- Follow up: Making contact in the days or weeks after a crisis can make the difference in keeping your friend or loved one alive.