Suicide Prevention Awareness

Even one death by suicide is one too many. It’s important to know the warning signs of suicide, how to talk to someone in distress and where to get help. Share these resources with your friends and family and let’s help the people we care about.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, there is help. The resources below will connect you to trained professionals who can provide support.

How To Get Help

If you’re in crisis:

  • Call 911
  • Call or text 988 or visit the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline website to chat
  • Text “Got5” to 741-741

If you are thinking about suicide, take steps to keep yourself safe:

  • Make a promise to yourself not to do anything right now, because suicidal thoughts come and go.
  • Avoid alcohol and drugs.
  • Make your home safe by removing anything that could be used to hurt yourself.
  • Reach out to someone you trust for help.
  • Stay hopeful. You are not alone.

Know The Warning Signs

Most people thinking about suicide show warning signs before taking action. Look out for the following signs:

  • Talking about killing oneself, feeling hopeless, having no reason to live, being a burden to others, feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
  • Increased use of alcohol or drugs
  • Withdrawing from activities
  • Isolating from family and friends
  • Looking for ways to end their lives
  • Saying goodbye
  • Giving away prized possessions
  • Aggression, fatigue, sleeping too much or too little
  • Displaying moods of depression, anxiety, loss of interest, irritability, humiliation, shame, agitation, or anger
  • Relief or sudden improvement

How To Talk About Suicide

Pay attention to new or uncharacteristic behavior. Has your loved one experienced a painful event, loss or change? Take any talk of suicide seriously. Someone who is suicidal may say things like:

  • “I don’t know how much longer I can take this”
  • “They will be sorry once I’m gone”
  • “I wish I could go to sleep and never wake up”
  • “I’ve been saving up my pills in case things get really bad”

Take action. If someone you know is exhibiting any of these warning signs:

  • Ask them openly and directly if they are thinking about suicide
  • Ask them to tell you about what has been going on and LISTEN to them
  • Avoid discussing the value of life, minimizing problems, or giving advice
  • Let them know it is important to get help, and stay with them while exploring options

 Resources