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I'M HAVING THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE

Having thoughts of suicide is not unusual or shameful. Most people who experience even intense suicidal moments recover and live fulfilling lives. Getting professional help is important, and connecting to support of various kinds makes a difference in getting through these difficult time.

 

» SAFETY FIRST!

If you have been taking suicidal actions, OR you have tried to hurt yourself today or made a recent suicide attempt, get help immediately by calling 911.

  1. If you are not hurt, have a friend help you get to a mental health urgent care setting or the emergency room

  2. If you are having intense suicidal thoughts or urges please connect with a crisis counselor now at:

 

» Learn what you can do if you belong to one of the groups at greater risk of suicide

 

» Remove access to lethal means

If you are having suicidal thoughts, it’s important to remove items that could be potentially harmful like knives, firearms or medications. Ask a friend or family member to store your medications until you feel better. If you own a firearm, store it in a safe or lock box separate from ammunition and ask a friend or family member to hold onto the key for you.

 

» Learn more about what’s going on

Start by learning the symptoms of depression and the warning signs of suicide. Be honest with yourself as you evaluate your own thoughts and feelings. Do not be afraid to reach out even if you think your problems are too small. If something negatively affects you or is keeping you from living mentally well, it matters.

It’s also helpful to be aware of local resources in your community. Check our National Outreach Network for a SAVE charter in your area or the Suicide Prevention Resource Center.

 

» Get talking 

Even if you don’t think you will act upon them, if you are having thoughts about killing or hurting yourself, you need to talk about it with someone. This is a vital first step in the process of getting better. Know that it is OK to have suicidal thoughts, but it’s not OK to keep your thoughts secret. Don’t be afraid to reach out or ask for help. Help is available and more options for getting help exist than ever before. Reach out to at least one or more of the following:

  • Family member

  • Friend

  • Crisis counselor (988 in USA) or text SAVE to 741741 (Crisistextline.org).

  • Primary Care Doctor

  • Mental Health Professional (Therapist)

  • Teacher or educator you trust

  • Church Leader

  • Find a Support Group

  • Online peer support (we recommend trying 7 Cups of Tea)

 

» Create a safety plan

Having a safety plan in place during a time of emotional vulnerability or in crisis is one way to help manage your thoughts and feelings and a quick way to refer yourself to help. Use the link below for a safety plan template. Share your safety plan with your doctor(s), family, friends, or anyone else in your support network.

Create a Safety Plan

 

» Take care of your physical health

Are you taking care of your physical health? In times of bad or negative stress or after a major life event, remember to pay attention to your body. Mental and physical health are deeply interconnected, and it’s important to deal with any health issues that may be holding you back. If health issues are part of the problem, consider seeing a therapist who may help you adjust to your new physical reality. If you are physically able, try a new exercise regimen. If you’re new to exercise, remember to consult with your doctor before beginning or start slow and gradually increase intensity and longevity.

 

 

In addition to professionals and friends you may get support by connecting to others who have been there.

Connections Peer Support Program

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HOW TO HELP SOMEONE WHO FEELS SUICIDAL

 

If you are concerned about a friend who may be in emotional crisis or thinking of suicide, don't hesitate to reach out. There are a number of steps you can take to help ensure their safety.

 

Take the Suicide Prevention Training today

Learn More

 

What You Can Do

» Know What to Watch For

Suicide preparedness is one of the best ways to ensure you’ll be ready to help a friend who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts. Commit to learning the symptoms of depression and warning signs of suicide. Learn about resources in your community including mental health services. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the US is also a great resource to memorize and use if you are concerned about a friend. The phone number for the Crisis line is 988. Check out our section on LGBTQ to learn more about how you can help someone who is LGBTQ.

 

» Know What to Do

Stigma associated with mental illnesses can prevent people from getting help. Your willingness to talk about mental or emotional issues and suicide with a friend, family member, or co-worker can be the first step in getting them help and preventing suicide.

 

If You See the Warning Signs of Suicide…

Begin a dialogue by asking questions. Suicidal thoughts are common with some mental illnesses and your willingness to talk about it in a non-judgmental, non-confrontational way can be the help a person needs to seek professional help. Questions okay to ask:

  • “Do you ever feel so bad that you think about suicide?”

  • “Do you have a plan to kill yourself or take your life?”

  • “Have you thought about when you would do it (today, tomorrow, next week)?”

  • “Have you thought about what method you would use?”

 

Asking these questions will help you to determine if your friend or family member is in immediate danger, and get help if needed. A suicidal person should see a doctor or mental health professional immediately. Calling 911 or going to a hospital emergency room are also good options to prevent a tragic suicide attempt or death. Calling the Crisis & Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 is also a resource for you or the person you care about. Remember, always take thoughts of or plans for suicide seriously.

 

Never keep a plan for suicide a secret. Don’t worry about risking a friendship if you truly feel a life is in danger. You have bigger things to worry about-someone’s life might be in danger! It is better to lose a relationship from violating a confidence than it is to go to a funeral. And most of the time they will come back and thank you for saving their life.

 

Don’t try to minimize problems or shame a person into changing their mind. Your opinion of a person’s situation is irrelevant. Trying to convince a person suffering with a mental illness that it’s not that bad, or that they have everything to live for may only increase their feelings of guilt and hopelessness. Reassure them that help is available, that what they are experiencing is treatable, and that suicidal feelings are temporary. Life can get better!

 

If you feel the person isn’t in immediate danger, acknowledge the pain is legitimate and offer to work together to get help. Make sure you follow through. This is one instance where you must be tenacious in your follow-up. Help find a doctor or a mental health professional, participate in making the first phone call, or go along to the first appointment. If you’re in a position to help, don’t assume that your persistence is unwanted or intrusive. Risking your feelings to help save a life is a risk worth taking.

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CRISIS SERVICES

 

If you have attempted suicide and are hurt, call 911 or the emergency telephone number in your country. If you are having suicidal thoughts, you can call, text or chat with a number of services available in the United States. Scroll down for more information and links to each service. Remember, suicide is never the answer and HELP IS AVAILABLE.

 

 

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