·         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 or buying a gun

·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

Youth

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people between 10 to 24. Sometimes your struggle can be underestimated because of your age. But we hear you, and help is available.

How To Take Care Of Yourself

Ask for help: Don’t be afraid to let your friends, family, or teachers know what you need when they ask; they want to help. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline any time — calls are confidential.

Make a safety plan: A safety plan can help guide you through difficult moments and keep you safe. Learn how to make your own.

Remember that this feeling can be overcome: Family conflict, relationships, grades, sexual identity, and the loss of important people can seem impossible to deal with. But with support from others, you can.

Evaluate the relationships in your life: Love and friendship are all about respect. Toxic or unhealthy relationships can negatively affect you. Whether you’re dating or building new friendships, remember your rights. If you’re being bullied, help is also available.

How To Help

Take your loved one seriously: Some people feel that kids who say they are going to hurt or kill themselves are “just doing it for attention.” But if your child,  friend, or family member confides thoughts of suicide, believe them and get help.

Listen with empathy and provide support: A fight or breakup might not seem like a big deal, but for a young person it can feel immense. Sympathize and listen. Minimizing what your child or friend is going through can increase his or her sense of hopelessness.

Learn the warning signs: Friends sometimes let friends know if they are thinking about suicide or dying. Other times, changes in behavior may show that someone is struggling.

Don’t keep suicide a secret: If your friend is considering suicide, don’t promise to keep it a secret. Tell him or her you can help, but you need to involve other people, like a trusted adult. Neither of you have to face this alone.

Help Yourself

If you’re in crisis, there are options available to help you cope. You can also call the Lifeline at any time to speak to someone and get support. For confidential support available 24/7 for everyone in the United States, call 1-800-273-8255.

How Can You Help Yourself?

Healing, hope and help can happen. Here are some ways to help you get through a crisis.

Find A Therapist/Support Group

Find A Therapist/Support Group

Speaking to someone, whether by going to a therapist or by attending a support group, can help you feel better and improve your mental health. These resources can help you find a psychologist, psychiatrist, or support group near you.

SAMHSA Mental Health Services Locator

Psychology Today Therapist and Support Group Finder

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Suicide Bereavement Support Group Finder

HelpPRO Suicide Prevention Therapist Finder

Build A Support Network

You don’t have to deal with crisis on your own. Those you choose to confide in can provide encouragement and help you through a crisis.

Your World

You are part of a larger whole, and you matter. You may feel less isolated when you’re connected more to others. Consider joining an interest group, volunteering, taking a class, or starting a new hobby.

Your Social Networks

Social media is a place to share how you’re feeling and hear the stories of others who have felt the same. Connecting to people through technology may help you remember that you are not alone, and you may find others with similar interests.

Your Community

Whether your community is at work, school, church, or a club or a team, having a group of people who encourage help-seeking and support  is one of the most important aspects of suicide prevention.

Your Circle Of Trust

Relationships with friends, family, and significant others built on trust and companionship are a protective factor against suicidal thoughts and behaviors. It’s important to find the people in your life that you can always confide in, feel comfortable around, and can contact at any time. Surround yourself with positive people who motivate you to be your best.

Use Your Support Network

Leaning on your support network can help you cope during difficult moments and is an important step in getting help and moving forward.

Express Yourself

During difficult situations, it’s natural to shut down, but keeping your emotions bottled up makes it harder for your support network to help you. Reach out to people you trust who have the ability to be sympathetic and non-judgmental.

Keep an Open Mind

Keep in mind that the advice and support of others come from a good place. We may not necessarily agree with advice we’re given, but staying open-minded and receptive to outside perspectives and opinions can help strengthen your support network.

Show Appreciation

The people in your support network will stick with you through thick and thin, but it’s also important to remember that friendships and relationships are a two-way street. Express your appreciation for the love and support that these special people bring into your life.

Make A Safety Plan

A safety plan is designed to guide you through a crisis. As you continue through the steps, you can get help and feel safer. Keep your plan easily accessible in case you have thoughts of hurting yourself.

1.Recognize your personal warning signs: What thoughts, images, moods, situations, and behaviors indicate to you that a crisis may be developing? Write these down in your own words.

2.Use your own coping strategies: List things that you can do on your own to help you not act on urges to harm yourself.

3.Socialize with others who may offer support as well as distraction from the crisis: List people and social settings that may help take your mind off of difficult thoughts or feelings.

4.Contact family members or friends who may help to resolve a crisis: Make a list of people who are supportive and who you feel you can talk to when under stress.

5.Contact mental health professionals or agencies: Make a list of names, numbers and/or locations of clinicians, local emergency rooms, and crisis hotlines. Put the Lifeline number, 1-800-273-8255, into your phone.

6.Ensure your environment is safe: Have you thought of ways in which you might harm yourself? Work with a counselor to develop a plan to limit your access to these means.

Get a Plan Template

Download the MY3 App

Get More Info

Get More Info

The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers additional resources for multiple audiences.

Visit SAMHSA Online