“About 90% of people who make even the most serious suicide attempts, do not go on to kill themselves.”
– Dr. Mark Schechter, MD, Chair of Psychiatry, Salem Hospital
The truth is that most people who attempt suicide actually just want to die because they can’t bear how they are feeling. That is why it is so important to get help for someone who is talking about suicide or even making jokes about suicide.
Besides getting professional help, there are things that friends and family can do to help someone struggling with thoughts of suicide. Talking to them about how they are feeling, being kind, and taking away any means of self-harm that are available are all beneficial steps to take. Removing lethal means from the environment is critical because suicide attempts are often times impulsive.
While many suicides and attempts are due to depression and mental illness, not all are. For some people, when there is something catastrophic that happens in their life, such as a serious loss, they feel like they can’t go on.
There are many warning signs that indicate that a person is thinking about suicide. Not everyone expresses their feelings, and that’s why it is important to recognize warning signs and take immediate action.
Warning signs to note include:
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for calling or texting.
Hey Sam for youth: 439726
Youth Hotline: 839963 or 877-968-8491
Teen Line: 839863 or 800-852-8336
Trevor Lifeline for LGBTQ+ youth: 678678 or 866-488-7386
Safe Place TXT 4 Help for youth and children: 44357
National Grad Crisis Line: 877-472-3457
SAMHSA’s National Hotline: 435748 or 800-662-4357
Trevor Lifeline for LGBTQ+ and youth: 678678 or 866-488-7386
LGBT National Hotline for LGBTQ+: 888-843-4564
LGBT National Senior Helpline for LGBT+ and seniors: 888-234-7243
LGBT National Coming Out Support Hotline for LGBTQ+: 888-688-5428
Veterans Crisis Line: 838255
Centerstone Military Services for Veterans: 866-781-8010
Physician Support Line: 888-409-0141
Childhelp’s Courage First Athlete Helpline: 888-279-1026
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 62640 or 800-950-6264
SAMHSA’s National Hotline: 435748 or 800-662-4357
National Parent and Youth Hotline: call or text 855-427-2736
BlackLine: 800-604-5841
Su Familia: 866-783-2645
Oliver’s “holistic mind–body–spirit approach ensures that readers receive well-rounded support, addressing both emotional wounds and deeper spiritual aspects of recovery. Highly recommended.”
— Author Rev. Janette Freeman, PhD
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Disclaimer: The content of this website is provided for general information only. It is not a substitute for professional psychiatric advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please seek out relevant professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action based on the information in these webpages.