RESOURCES
Hotline Phone Numbers
If you feel suicidal or you’re in a crisis situation and need immediate assistance, people at these hotlines in the U.S. are there to help. Please call a friend, loved one, clergy, doctor, local hotline, or 911. If you experience suicidal thoughts and feelings, get help! If someone you know exhibits symptoms of suicide, offer help!
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Veterans Crisis Line – Dial 988 then press 1 or text 838255
National Hopeline Network, Suicide & Crisis Hotline
1-800-442-HOPE (4673)
The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender National Hotline
1-888-843-4564
The GLBT National Youth Talkline
(Youth Serving Youth through age 25) 1-800-246-7743
U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Veterans Crisis Line – Dial 988 then press 1 or text 838255
National Hopeline Network, Suicide & Crisis Hotline
1-800-442-HOPE (4673)
The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender National Hotline
1-888-843-4564
The GLBT National Youth Talkline(Youth Serving Youth through age 25)
1-800-246-7743
U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888
SUICIDE AWARENESS, PREVENTION AND OTHER CRISES
UNDERSTANDING AND HELPING A SUICIDAL PERSON
Be Aware of the Warning Signs of Suicide
There is no typical suicide victim. It happens to young and old, rich and poor. Fortunately, there are some common warning signs of suicide which, when acted upon, can save lives. Here are some signs to look for:
A suicidal person might be suicidal if he or she:
- Talks about suicide and wanting to act on suicidal thoughts.
- Has trouble eating or sleeping.
- Experiences drastic changes in behavior.
- Withdraws from friends and/or social activities.
- Loses interest in hobbies, work, school, etc.
- Prepares for death by making out a will and final arrangements.
- Gives away prized possessions.
- Has attempted suicide before.
- Takes unnecessary risks.
- Has had recent severe losses.
- Is preoccupied with death and dying.
- Loses interest in their personal appearance.
- Increases their use of alcohol or drugs.
What To Do
Here are some ways to be helpful to someone who is threatening suicide:
- Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide.
- Be willing to listen. Allow expressions of feelings. Accept the feelings.
- Be non-judgmental. Don’t debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or feelings are good or bad. Don’t lecture on the value of life.
- Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.
- Don’t dare him or her to do it.
- Don’t act shocked. This will put distance between you.
- Don’t be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.
- Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance.
- Take action. Remove means, such as guns or stockpiled pills.
- Get help from persons or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
Be Aware of Feelings
Many people at some time in their lives think about following through on suicide. Most decide to live because they eventually come to realize that the crisis is temporary, and death is permanent. On the other hand, people having a crisis sometimes perceive their dilemma as inescapable and feel an utter loss of control. These are some of the feelings and things they experience:
- Can’t stop the pain.
- Can’t think clearly.
- Can’t make decisions.
- Can’t see any way out.
- Can’t sleep, eat or work.
- Can’t get out of depression.
- Can’t make the sadness go away.
- Can’t see a future without pain.
- Can’t see themselves as worthwhile.
- Can’t get someone’s attention.
- Can’t seem to get control.
What Can I Do To Help Someone Who May Be Suicidal?
- TAKE IT SERIOUSLY
Myth: “The people who talk about it don’t do it.” Studies have found that more than 75% of all completed suicides did things in the few weeks or months prior to their deaths to indicate to others that they were in deep despair. Anyone expressing suicidal feelings needs immediate attention.
Myth: “Anyone who tries to kill himself has got to be crazy.” Perhaps 10% of all suicidal people are psychotic or have delusional beliefs about reality. Most suicidal people suffer from the recognized mental illness of depression; but many depressed people adequately manage their daily affairs. The absence of “craziness” does not mean the absence of suicide risk.
Myth: “Those problems weren’t enough to commit suicide over,” is often said by people who knew a completed suicide. You cannot assume that because you feel something is not worth being suicidal about, that the person you are with feels the same way. It is not how bad the problem is, but how badly it’s hurting the person who has it. - REMEMBER – SUICIDAL BEHAVIOR IS A CRY FOR HELP
Myth: “If a someone is going to kill himself, nothing can stop him.” The fact that a person is still alive is sufficient proof that part of him wants to remain alive. The suicidal person is ambivalent – part of him wants to live and part of him wants not so much death as he wants the pain to end. It is the part that wants to live that tells another “I feel suicidal.” If a suicidal person turns to you it is likely that he believes that you are more caring, more informed about coping with misfortune, and more willing to protect his confidentiality. No matter how negative the manner and content of his talk, he is doing a positive thing and has a positive view of you.
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Dr. Kadijah Harris-Campbell
