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

• Counseling Resources
• Counseling Resources (Spanish)

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.