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Friends and Family

  • If someone you know is struggling emotionally or is in crisis, you can make a difference by getting them the help and support they may need. Watch for these suicide warning signs:
  • Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
  • Looking for a way to kill themselves, like researching online or buying a gun
  • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
  • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
  • Talking about being a burden to others
  • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
  • Acting anxious or agitated, or behaving recklessly
  • Sleeping too little or too much
  • Withdrawing or isolating themselves
  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
  • Extreme mood swings

Do's when helping:

  • DO talk openly about suicide
  • DO be willing to listen
  • DO allow expressions of feeling
  • DO get involved, be available, and show interest and support
  • DO remove means, such as weapons, rope, or pills

Don'ts when helping:

  • Do NOT dare him or her to do something harmful
  • Do NOT act shocked, judge, or "one-up" (example: "You’re having a bad day? You should hear about my day!"), as this encourages disconnection
  • Do NOT be sworn to secrecy; do seek support
  • Do NOT offer glib reassurance

Suicide is a scary topic, but help and education are available.

For confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, call 988, visit the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Crisis Chat Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  webpage, or text the Crisis Text Line: text NATIVE to 741741 from anywhere in the U.S., and a trained Crisis Counselor will respond quickly).

The Trevor Project Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  offers crisis services that create a safe, accepting, and inclusive environment for youth who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning (LGBTQ), by phone at 1-866-488-7386, and through text (text TREVOR to 1-202-304-1200, available on Thursdays and Fridays between 4 to 8 PM Eastern, and 1 to 5 PM Pacific).

Support

A support finder Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  with suggestions on how to find a therapist or support group, and links for finding assistance, is available through the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).

The AFSP also provides facilitator training for support groups Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov , which offers a powerful way for those who have lost a loved one to suicide to connect with others.

Resources

Suicide Survivor Resources