How to Help Others
Recognize Warning Signs
Warning Signs that someone may be suicidal include:
- Talking about wanting to die
- Looking for a way to kill oneself
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious, agitated, or recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Displaying extreme mood swings
Take Action
If you are concerned that someone is suicidal, please take action.
- Do not leave the person alone
- Remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs, or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt
- Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988
- Take the person to an emergency room, or seek help from a medical or mental health professional
Understand Protective Factors
Protective Factors buffer individuals from suicidal thoughts and behavior. Identifying and understanding protective factors are equally as important as knowing warning signs. Some protective factors include:
- Effective clinical care for mental, physical, and substance abuse disorders
- Easy access to a variety of clinical interventions and support for help seeking
- Family and community support (connectedness)
- Support from ongoing medical and mental health care relationships
- Skills in problem solving, conflict resolution, and nonviolent ways of handling disputes
- Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide and support instincts for self-preservation