We Can All Prevent Suicide

Understanding the issues concerning suicide and mental health is an important way to take part in suicide prevention, help others in crisis, and change the conversation around suicide.

We Believe

Suicide is not inevitable for anyone. By starting the conversation, providing support, and directing help to those who need it, we can prevent suicides and save lives.

Evidence shows that providing support services, talking about suicide, reducing access to means of self-harm, and following up with loved ones are just some of the actions we can all take to help others.

By offering immediate counseling to everyone that may need it, local crisis centers provide invaluable support at critical times and connect individuals to local services.

Know the Risk Factors

Risk factors are characteristics that make it more likely that someone will consider, attempt, or die by suicide. They can't cause or predict a suicide attempt, but they're important to be aware of.

Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders
Alcohol and other substance use disorders
Hopelessness
Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
History of trauma or abuse
Major physical illnesses
Previous suicide attempt(s)
Family history of suicide
Job or financial loss

Loss of relationship(s)
Easy access to lethal means
Local clusters of suicide
Lack of social support and sense of isolation
Stigma associated with asking for help
Lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment
Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma
Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)

Know the Warning Signs

Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these, seek help by calling the Lifeline.

Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online
Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
Talking about being a burden to others
Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
Sleeping too little or too much
Withdrawing or isolating themselves
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
Extreme mood swings

Depression and Suicide

Untreated depression is the number one cause for suicide. You are not depressed when you feel sad for a day or two; you are depressed when you experience a prolonged period of sadness that interferes with your ability to function.

Depression occurs because of an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. It is an illness. And it is highly treatable. Unfortunately, many people do not receive treatment for depression, and thus are at risk for suicide.

If you or have some of these symptoms below, please seek help immediately:

Feeling sad for two or more weeks
Feeling lethargic -- feeling like you have no energy
Unable to concentrate
Sleeping too much or too little
Eating too much or too little
Feeling worthless
Feeling hopeless
Feeling helpless
Feeling negative or pessimisstic
Losing interest in activities that you previously enjoyed
Withdrawing from others
Neglecting personal appearance
Feeling angry
Feeling guilty
Unable to think clearly
Unable to make decisions

Basically, if "the blues" do not go away after two weeks, you probably have depression. And you need to get treatment. So please make an appointment with a medical doctor and a therapist so you may be properly evaluated. Many people do not think of going to a medical doctor when they are depressed, but it is an important step because there could be a physical problem beside the chemical imbalance that is causing the depression. And please get into therapy. If the therapist believes that you need medication he or she can refer you to someone.

How to Talk to Suicidal Callers?

If you ever receive a phone call from someone who is suicidal, there are several things that you will want to do:

Listen attentively to everything that the caller says, and try to learn as much as possible about what the caller's problems are.
Allow the caller to cry, scream or swear. Suicidal feelings are very powerful, so let them come out.
Stay calm, and be supportive, sympathetic, and kind.
Do not be judgmental or invalidate the person's feelings. Let the caller express emotions without negative feedback.
After you have a good understanding of the caller's problems, summarize the problems back to him or her. This helps to preclude misunderstandings and demonstrates to the caller that you are being attentive.
Then ask the caller, "Are you feeling so bad that you are thinking about suicide?"
If the answer is yes, ask, "Have you thought about how you would do it?"
If the answer is yes, ask, "Do you have what you need to do it?"
If the answer is yes, ask, "Have you thought about when you would do it?"

The reason for asking these questions is to assess the level of risk of suicide for the caller. If the caller answers yes to three or four questions, the risk is very high, and immediate treatment is necessary.

If the caller answered yes to one or two questions, try to determine if immediate treatment is necessary.

At a minimum, you should try to get the individual to see a therapist and a medical doctor as soon as possible. Gently explain that he or she probably has clinical depression or something similar and thus has a chemical imbalance in the brain, and that this is a very common condition, but definitely needs to be treated.

Only let the person go when you are sure that he or she is not in immediate danger of suicide. And, again, before you let the person go, emphasize that it is imperative that treatment is received. It is not an option, it is a requirement.