Recognize the Warning Signs of Suicide
Talking about killing themselves
Hopelessness
Having no reason to live
Experiencing unbearable or inescapable pain
The following behavior may also indicate risk, particularly following a significant stressful event
Increase use of alcohol or drugs
Looking up ways to die
Planning ways to die, including gathering access to means (e.g., knives, weapons, etc)
Withdrawing from daily life
Isolating from family and friends
Giving away possessions
Reaching out to others to say goodbye
How to help loved ones with thoughts of suicide
Take the person seriously
Help them remove access to lethal means
Call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
Text STEVE to 741741 to text with a trained crisis counselor from the Crisis Text Line for free, 24/7
Escort them to mental health services or an emergency room
Other ways to help
Normalize talking about suicide and mental illness
Encourage them to attend therapy
Build strong ties to their cultural identity
Actively listen
Support their needs
Let them know they are loved and wanted