Suicide Prevention
Depression and suicide affect people of all ages and populations. American Indian/Alaska Native populations experience a higher rate of suicide than any other group in the U.S. If you are experiencing a crisis, there are options available to help.
Confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
For confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline's 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 (text), 1-800-273-8255, or on the 988 Chat page.
Text the 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 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).
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.
Support
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) provides suggestions on how to find treatment for mental health and substance use problems .
The AFSP also provides facilitator training for support groups , which offers a powerful way for those who have lost a loved one to suicide to connect with others.
