Recognizing the Emergency Signs
Immediate action is needed in any of these situations:
- A suicide attempt is happening. Call 911 immediately.
- The person is threatening to die by suicide.
- The person has a weapon or other lethal means.
- The person is talking about death or suicide and is acting anxious or agitated.
- The person is talking about death or suicide and is intoxicated or "high" on drugs.
What to Do in an Emergency
If any of these signs are present:
- Call 911 or call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
- Don't leave the person alone.
- Remove all lethal means (weapons, medications, etc.) from the vicinity.
- Take the person to a nearby Emergency Room or walk-in mental health crisis clinic.
Remember, do not put yourself in danger; if you are concerned about your own safety, call 911.
If a Person Says They Are Thinking About Suicide
If someone tells you they're thinking about suicide, it's crucial to take them seriously. They're experiencing a life-threatening crisis and may not believe they can be helped.
- Stay With Them: Don't leave them alone. Your presence can provide comfort and prevent them from acting on their suicidal thoughts.
- Remove Lethal Means: If possible, help them remove or stay away from any lethal means, such as firearms or drugs.
- Call for Help: Call or text the Suicide and Crisis Life at 988 or text TALK to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. If they're in immediate danger, call 911.
- Escort Them to Help: If possible, take them to a mental health professional or the emergency room.
Identifying Suicidal Ideation
Expressions of wanting to die, feeling trapped, or experiencing unbearable pain are serious signs of distress and can be considered suicidal ideation. For example, statements like the following are clear indications of suicidal thoughts:
- “I feel like I want to die.”
- “Sometimes I think about going to sleep and not waking up.”
- “I just can't take it anymore.”
- “I wish I could disappear forever.”
- “I don't see any way out of this.”
- “I'm tired of fighting. I just want it to be over.”
- “Everyone would be better off without me.”
Such expressions should always be taken very seriously. They indicate a need for immediate help and intervention. If you or someone you know expresses thoughts like these, it's crucial to reach out to a mental health professional, a trusted person in your life, or a crisis hotline immediately. Remember, help is available, and you don't have to face these feelings alone.
Having an Honest Conversation
- Talk to Them in Private: Find a quiet, private place to have your conversation. This can help them feel more comfortable opening up about their feelings.
- Listen to Their Story: Let them share their feelings and experiences. Try to listen without interrupting or offering advice. Your role is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for them to express their feelings.
- Express Your Concern: Let them know that you care about them and are concerned for their wellbeing. This can help them feel less alone and more understood.
- Ask About Suicide: It's important to ask directly if they're thinking about suicide. This can help them feel understood and can open the door to getting them the help they need.
- Encourage Them to Seek Help: Encourage them to reach out to a mental health professional. If they're already seeing a therapist or psychiatrist, encourage them to discuss their suicidal thoughts with this professional.
- Avoid Debating or Minimizing Their Feelings: Try not to debate the value of life or minimize their problems. This can make them feel misunderstood or dismissed. Instead, validate their feelings and let them know that it's okay to ask for help.
