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Suicide Prevention


Need help now? Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.

The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is a 24-hour, toll-free suicide prevention service available to anyone in suicidal crisis. You will be routed to the closest possible crisis center in your area. Your call is free and confidential.

Veterans can call and press "1" to reach the VA hotline, which will be staffed by mental health professionals who will work closely with local VA mental health providers to help callers.

Recognize the Warning Signs
The most effective way to prevent suicide is to recognize the warning signs, and respond immediately. Here are some behaviors to watch for:

  • Talking about suicide
  • Frequently talking about death
  • Talking about feeling hopeless, helpless, or worthless, saying things like "It would be better if I wasn't here" or "I want out"
  • Showing signs of depression, including deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating
  • Loss of interest in things that used to be important
  • Person calls or visits people to say goodbye
  • Person seems to be putting affairs in order (e.g. changes will, gives away loved possessions, says "goodbyes" to friends)
  • Abrupt mood swings, from extreme sadness to happiness or calm
  • Risk-taking behavior (e.g. driving too fast)

Along with these behaviors, a person is at higher risk of attempting suicide if he or she has other stressful factors in their lives such as a chronic or terminal illness, marital or partner problems, problems at work or has a family history of suicide. Be especially concerned about depression and suicide if a person exhibits any of these warning signs and has attempted suicide in the past.

Suicide is also a serious problem among our youth.  Most adolescents who commit suicide show some signs beforehand. Many have a mental or substance abuse disorder, or both. In addition to the warning signs listed above, be aware of some other possible warning signs:

  • Making verbal threats such as, "You'd be better off without me," "I won't be a problem for you much longer," or "Maybe I won't be around."
  • Showing little interest in the future.
  • Making major changes in appearance not taking care of themselves
  • Acting in rash, hostile ways; often expressing rage.
  • Giving or throwing away favorite belongings.

Adolescents are at an increased risk of attempting suicide if there is a family history of suicide, if he or she has previously attempted suicide, if he or she has run away from home or if exposed to the suicide of a schoolmate, friend, or even a celebrity receiving media coverage.

What You Can Do
There are several things you can do if you fear that a friend or loved one is thinking about suicide.

1.  Don't ignore the warning signs. 
Listen to what the person is saying. Ask what he or she is planning, but don't attempt to argue with them about committing suicide. Rather, let them know that you care and are listening. Avoid statements like: "You have so much to live for."

2.  Seek help immediately.
If you have any reason to suspect a friend, relative or acquaintance may be considering suicide, encourage the troubled person to seek the help of a mental health professional, particularly a therapist with interest and expertise in depression and suicide. Suicidal people are likely to resist such advice, so you may have to be persistent.  If the person doesn't want to see a therapist, encourage him to talk to his physician, or call a suicide prevention hotline. Contact a suicide prevention hotline yourself to seek advice if the person refuses to get help.

3.  If danger is imminent, do not leave the individual alone.
If a friend or loved one appears to be in danger of committing suicide imminently, do not leave them alone.  Remove dangerous objects or drugs from the vicinity. Accompany the person to the nearest emergency room. If the person refuses to go to the emergency room, call 911.

Last Modified:June 20, 2012