Each year on September 10, we observe World Suicide Prevention Day to draw global attention to this vital public health issue and to remind everyone that suicides are preventable.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s mission is to make that true for everyone. Its best advice? Talk. Never be afraid to talk about suicide. Ask questions. Have a conversation.
If you’ve noticed the warning risk signs in a friend, co-worker, or loved one, step up and begin that discussion. It’s scary but you have to assume that you will be the only one who will bring it up. If you don't, who else will? That one conversation could save a life.
Plan your conversation for a private setting. Let them know you’re concerned and that you care, and then ask directly about suicide, calmly and without judgment. Ask, "Are you thinking about suicide?"
Show understanding. Listen to their story and take their concerns seriously.
Believe they mean what they say, and don’t try to argue. This isn’t the time to debate the value of life, to try to minimize their problems, or to give advice. A person who says they are thinking about suicide is experiencing a life-threatening health crisis, and they may not see any way of being helped. They don’t believe there are any other options.
Take the person seriously if they have a plan and the means to complete it, keep them away from lethal instruments like firearms and drugs, and stay with them until you get help. You can call or text 988 for the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to speak directly with a trained mental health professional. You can also text TALK to 741741 to text with a trained crisis counselor from the Crisis Text Line. Both numbers are free and available 24 hours a day.
If you can do so safely, escort them yourself to a local mental health service or to your nearest emergency room.
You can struggle with your mental health without becoming suicidal. Your friend or loved one may not be in a crisis situation but still need support and treatment. Mental health is something that can be managed, just like physical health. When you have the flu, you see a doctor. When you injure your knee, you call an orthopedist. When you are having mental health issues, you can seek help. The National Institute of Health has valuable information and resources available online.
You can also contact your nearest chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness online or by calling their Helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). Volunteers will help guide you Monday Through Friday, 10 A.M. – 10 P.M. ET.
Remember and share that help is always available. Recovery is possible. You are not alone.
It only takes a few minutes and a few words to save a life. Suicide is preventable.
If you are in crisis, please call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. You can learn more about suicide from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at afsp.org.
