Recommended Websites

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:   https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

National Prevention Resource Center:  http://www.sprc.org/

National Center for the Prevention of Youth Suicide:  http://www.suicidology.org/ncpys

National Disaster Distress Lifeline:  https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline

Veteran’s Crisis Line:  https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. The important thing to remember is that help is available. Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should be immediately referred to a health care provider who can evaluate their condition and provide treatment.

Warning Signs

Sometimes, a crisis may involve thoughts of suicide…

• Hopelessness, feeling like there’s no way out
• Anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness, or mood swings
• Feeling like there is no reason to live
• Rage or anger
• Engaging in risky activities without thinking
• Increasing alcohol or drug abuse
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Loss
• Giving away possessions

The following signs require immediate attention:

• Thinking about hurting or killing oneself
• Looking for ways to kill oneself
• Talking about death, dying or suicide
• Self-destructive behavior such as drug abuse, weapons, etc.

70% of people who are suicidal show warning signs.

Ways to help someone who is threatening suicide:

• Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide
• Be willing to listen. Allow expression of feelings. Accept the feelings
• Be non-judgmental. Don’t debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or feelings are good or bad
• Don’t lecture on the value of life
• Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support
• Don’t dare him or her to do it
• Don’t act shocked. This will make them more distant
• Don’t be sworn to secrecy. Seek support
• Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance
• Take action. Remove means, such as guns or stockpiled pills

If you are considering suicide, consider these important facts…

• Suicidal thinking is usually associated with problems that can be treated.
• If you are unable to think of solutions other than suicide, it is not that solutions don’t exist, only that you are currently unable to see them.
• Suicidal crises are almost always temporary.
• Problems are seldom as great as they appear at first glance.
• Reasons for living can help sustain a person in pain.