SUICIDE PREVENTION
You are not alone -Any day, any time free and immediate help; is available.
Call 911 if there is immediate danger to someone’s life
Call the 988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) offers 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
Call 988 (or 1-800-273-8255). Chat (English only) is available through the Lifeline’s website at 988lifeline.org/chat. The support and service received from the crisis counselors is provided at no charge to those who use the service; however, standard data rates from telecommunication mobile carriers may apply to those who text to the Lifeline. If monetary assistance is needed for communications needs, please see www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers for more information.
TTY: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711, then 988; or call 1-800-799-4889
Video Relay Service: 1-800-273-8255
Voice/Caption Phone: 1-800-273-8255
Línea de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisis: 988; or 1-888-628-9454/p>
Contact the LIFELINE ONLINE CHAT:
Lifeline Chat is a service of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline), connecting individuals with counselors for emotional support and other services via web chat. All chat centers in the Lifeline network are accredited by CONTACT USA. Lifeline Chat is available 24/7 across the U.S.
Text the CRISIS LINE:
Call the TREVORLIFELINE for LGBTQ youth:
When you call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- When you call, text, or chat 988, you will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network.
- When you call, you will first hear an automated message featuring additional options while your call is routed to your local Lifeline network crisis center.
- A trained crisis worker at your local center will answer the phone, listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and get you the help you need.
- Crisis intervention: Counselors provide caring support and apply their clinical experience and formal training to help anyone experiencing crisis: mental and/or emotional pain, anger, loss, isolation, confusion, agitation, anger, anxiety, reckless behavior, increased use of alcohol or drugs, thoughts of killing him/herself, etc. Only when all earnest de-escalation efforts haven’t resolved the situation and imminent risk is present will an ACL counselor engage first responders in order to protect life.
You Can Help Prevent Suicide
People who are suicidal often say or do things that are signals of their intentions. These warning signs provide an opportunity to start a conversation, even if it is difficult. You may be unsure of how you can help or uncertain of whether the person is actually in serious trouble, but asking about their feelings or intentions is an important first step. Talking specifically about suicide does not cause it to happen or plant the idea. Communicating your concern and offering to find help together could save a life. If you are concerned about someone, don’t hesitate to take action right away!
Here's How You Can Help
- Learn the warning signs for suicide - People thinking of ending their life often give hints about their intentions. Become familiar with the warning signs and don’t hesitate to take action if you notice unusual behaviors. Trust your instincts. To learn more about the signs of suicide, how to find the words to have a conversation with someone you care about, and additional support resources.
- Reach out and stay involved - Withdrawing from friends and family, not returning phone calls and not participating in activities the person previously enjoyed can all be warning signs of feeling troubled. Continue to reach out, be persistent and don’t give up. Your efforts let people know you care about them.
- Start the conversation - Let the person you care about know you are concerned about them. You could say: “I am worried about you.”, “It seems like something is bothering you.”, “You don’t seem like yourself lately. How can I help?”.
- Be direct and ask questions; even the ones you may be afraid to ask, such as - “Are you depressed?”, “Are you feeling that there is no way out?”, “Are you thinking about ending your life?”
- If you think the person is suicidal - Stay with him or her, listen and take him or her seriously. Help the person get help. Tell him or her to call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8755) to talk to someone about how he/she is feeling. If you don’t think he/she is able to do this, then offer to help with the call.
- You are not alone - Consider yourself the link to getting the person you care about the help needed. . Reach out to friends, family members or a clergy person, rabbi or other faith leader. If you are concerned about the safety of a young person, encourage him/her to talk to a trusted adult and let him/her know that he/she is not alone.