SUICIDE PREVENTION – CALL 988 IMMEDIATELY

FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO PREVENT SUICIDE

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or behaviors, it’s essential to take immediate action. Follow these steps to help prevent suicide:

1. Stay Calm and Take It Seriously:

   • If someone confides in you about their suicidal thoughts, take it seriously and remain calm. Avoid judgment or criticism.

2. Listen and Offer Support:

   • Encourage the person to talk openly about their feelings and thoughts. Be a good listener, and show empathy and understanding.

3. Ask Direct Questions:

   • Gently ask direct questions about their intentions, such as, “Are you thinking about suicide?” or “Have you made a plan?” Asking directly can help clarify the situation.

4. Don’t Leave Them Alone:

   • If you believe someone is at immediate risk of suicide, do not leave them alone. Stay with them or ensure that someone else stays with them until professional help arrives.

5. Remove Access to Means:

   • If possible, remove any means or methods the person could use to harm themselves, such as firearms, medications, or sharp objects.

6. Call for Help:

   • Contact emergency services (911 in the United States) immediately if you believe someone is in imminent danger. Provide them with all the necessary information, including the person’s location and condition.

7. Contact a Mental Health Professional:

   • Encourage the individual to seek help from a mental health professional or therapist. Offer to help them find a therapist or treatment center.

8. Reach Out to Support Networks:

   • Contact friends, family members, or others who may be able to provide support and assistance to the person in crisis.

9. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

   • In the United States, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) for immediate assistance. Trained counselors are available 24/7 to provide support.

10. Crisis Text Line:

    • You can also text “HELLO” to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor via the Crisis Text Line.

11. Stay Connected and Follow Up:

    • Continue to check in with the person regularly and offer ongoing support. Follow up on their progress in seeking professional help.

12. Educate Yourself:

    • Educate yourself about the warning signs of suicide and risk factors to better understand and support individuals in crisis.

Remember, suicide is a complex issue, and professional help is crucial. Encourage the person to reach out to mental health professionals or crisis helplines, and don’t hesitate to involve emergency services if needed. Your support and intervention can make a significant difference in saving a life.

Additional Resources:

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: You can call or text 988 to connect with trained crisis counselors who are skilled in assisting people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis. This service is available 24/7 in the United States. More information can be found at 988lifeline.org​​.

SAMHSA Treatment Referral Hotline (Substance Abuse):

For issues related to substance abuse, you can call 1-800-662-HELP (4357)​​.

RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline:

For support in situations of sexual assault, the hotline number is 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)​​.

National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline:

If you’re a teenager experiencing dating abuse, you can reach out to 1-866-331-9474​​.

The Trevor Project:

This organization provides suicide prevention services specifically for LGBTQ youth. The hotline number is 1-866-488-7386​​.

Domestic Violence Resource Project:

For survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, free and confidential services are available. You can call the helpline at 202-833-2233​​.

Second Story – Teens in Crisis:

This organization offers crisis intervention and support for young people aged 13 to 17. The 24/7 hotline number is 1-800-729-8336, or you can text “TeenHelp” to 855-11. More information is available at Second Story​​.

ADDITIONAL
RESOURCES

Short List – Additional mental health prevention and resources (Global)

Here is a concise list of various suicide prevention and crisis hotlines along with their contact numbers:

1. 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (USA): 988
2. SAMHSA Treatment Referral Hotline (Substance Abuse, USA): 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
3. RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline (USA): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
4. National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline (USA): 1-866-331-9474
5. The Trevor Project (LGBTQ Youth, USA): 1-866-488-7386
6. Domestic Violence Resource Project (USA): 202-833-2233
7. Second Story – Teens in Crisis (USA): 1-800-729-8336
8. ACCESS Helpline (D.C. Residents, USA): 1-888-793-4357
9. IMAlive (USA): 1-800-784-2433
10. Samaritans UK (UK & Ireland): 116 123
11. Lifeline Australia (Australia): 13 11 14
12. Crisis Services Canada (Canada): 1-833-456-4566

Additional mental health prevention websites and resources in English:

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) –

The NIMH is a leading organization in the United States for mental health research and offers valuable information on various mental health conditions and prevention strategies. Website: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/

Mental Health America (MHA) –

MHA provides resources and tools for mental health promotion, early intervention, and prevention of mental health issues. Website: https://www.mhanational.org/

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) –

NAMI offers support and education for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions and focuses on reducing stigma and promoting mental health awareness. Website: https://www.nami.org/

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) –

SAMHSA provides information, resources, and programs related to substance abuse and mental health prevention. Website: https://www.samhsa.gov/

Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC)

Find programs, toolkits, fact sheets, and other resources to help you take effective action. Website: https://www.sprc.org

Mind –

Mind is a mental health charity in the UK that offers information and support for mental health issues and prevention. Website: https://www.mind.org.uk/

Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) –

ADAA provides resources and education about anxiety and depression, including prevention strategies. Website: https://adaa.org/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Mental Health –

The CDC offers data, research, and resources on mental health promotion and prevention of mental health issues. Website: https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/index.htm

The Trevor Project –

This organization focuses on preventing suicide among LGBTQ+ youth and offers crisis intervention and suicide prevention services. Website: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) –

AFSP is dedicated to preventing suicide through research, education, and advocacy. Website: https://afsp.org/

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) –

DBSA provides support groups, educational resources, and wellness tools for people living with mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder. Website: https://www.dbsalliance.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) –

AA is a widely known organization that offers support and group meetings for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction, which often has a significant impact on mental health. Website: https://www.aa.org/

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) –

NA provides support and meetings for individuals dealing with drug addiction, recognizing the connection between substance abuse and mental health. Website: https://www.na.org/

Eating Disorders Hope –

This organization offers resources and support for individuals and families affected by eating disorders, including an online forum for peer support. Website: https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/

The Mighty –

The Mighty is an online community where people share their experiences with various mental health conditions and offer support and understanding to one another. Website: https://themighty.com/

Postpartum Support International (PSI) –

PSI offers support and resources for individuals and families dealing with perinatal mental health challenges, including postpartum depression and anxiety. Website: https://www.postpartum.net/

Veterans Crisis Line –

For veterans and their families, the Veterans Crisis Line offers confidential support via phone, text, and online chat. Website: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

Psychology Today –

While not a prevention-focused site, Psychology Today offers a wealth of articles and resources on various mental health topics, including tips for maintaining good mental health. Website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/

Please note that while these websites provide valuable information and resources if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, it’s important to seek immediate help from a mental health professional or a crisis hotline.