If this is an emergency, call 9-1-1

Suicide Warning Signs
Be concerned if someone you know:
Talks about:

  • Wanting to die
  • Great guilt or shame
  • Being a burden to others

Shares they feel:

  • Empty, hopeless, trapped, or having no reason to live
  • Extremely sad, more anxious, agitated, or full of rage
  • Unbearable emotional or physical pain

You notice changes in behavior:

  • Making a plan or researching ways to die or taking steps to access lethal means.
  • Withdrawing from friends, saying goodbye, giving away important items, or making a will
  • Taking dangerous risks such as driving extremely fast
  • Displaying extreme mood swings
  • Eating or sleeping more or less
  • Using drugs or alcohol more often

How you can help
If you believe someone needs help, ask them in a caring way if they are thinking of suicide. Asking about suicide shows empathy and compassion. You can say:

  • “Sometimes when people say they wish they weren’t here anymore, they’re thinking of suicide.”
  • ” Are you thinking of suicide?”

Show them that you care by actively listening without judgement. Let them share their thoughts and feelings. Doing so may be enough to help them feel relief and that they are not alone.

If they acknowledge that they are thinking of suicide, express that this is serious, and you want to connect them to help. Stay with them. Don’t leave them alone! Call 911 to get immediate help. Call 988 for support and guidance in a crisis.

**If the person is willing and you feel safe, you can offer to take them to any hospital emergency room or a psychiatric care hospital.