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

• The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) explains how to discuss suicide with children. Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  [PDF - 231 KB]
• Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE) has produced a document, "Explaining Suicide to Children" Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  [PDF - 130 KB] is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide
• Text the Crisis Text Line, a free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text 741741 from anywhere in the USA to text with a trained Crisis Counselor.
• Jason Foundation Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  is dedicated to the prevention of youth suicide through educational and awareness programs.
• JED Foundation Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  aims to protect emotional health and prevent suicide for teens and young adults.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources.
• Samaritans USA Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  provides hotlines, public education programs, support groups and other crisis response, outreach and advocacy programs to communities throughout the U.S.
• Suicide Awareness Voices of Education Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  works to prevent suicide through public awareness, education, stigma reduction, and by serving as a resource to those touched by suicide.
• The Trevor Project Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  is a national 24-hour, toll free confidential suicide hotline for gay and questioning youth.
• Veterans Crisis Line Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  is a free, 24/7 confidential support for Veterans in crisis and their families and friends.

Suicide Survivor Resources

• The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers a booklet on taking care of loved ones [PDF - 325 KB] Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  following a suicide attempt.
• Coping With Losing a Friend or Family Member to Suicide Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov , from the "Be That One" suicide prevention website, is a page dedicated to survivors of loss.
• "Suicide grief: Healing after a loved one's suicide" Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  is an article for survivors from the Mayo Clinic.