Trauma and Injury Prevention

• Suicide is when people harm themselves with the intent of ending their life, and they die as a result.
• A suicide attempt is when people harm themselves with the intent of ending their life, but they do not die.

**Avoid using terms such as “committing suicide,” “successful suicide,” or “failed suicide” when referring to suicide and suicide attempts, as these terms often carry negative meanings.**

Warning signs that someone may be at immediate risk for attempting suicide include:

• Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves
• Talking about feeling empty or hopeless or having no reason to live
• Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions
• Feeling unbearable emotional or physical pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Giving away important possessions
• Saying goodbye to friends and family
• Putting affairs in order, such as making a will
• Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast
• Talking or thinking about death often

Other serious warning signs that someone may be at risk for attempting suicide include:

• Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy
• Making a plan or looking for ways to kill themselves, such as searching for lethal methods online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun
• Talking about feeling great guilt or shame
• Using alcohol or drugs more often
• Acting anxious or agitated
• Changing eating or sleeping habits
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities can be at risk.

The main risk factors for suicide are:

• Depression, other mental disorders, or substance use disorder
• Chronic pain
• Personal history of suicide attempts
• Family history of a mental disorder or substance use
• Family history of suicide
• Exposure to family violence, including physical or sexual abuse
• Presence of guns or other firearms in the home
• Having recently been released from prison or jail

If you observe warning signs of suicide in someone you know, here are five steps you can take to help them:

1. ASK: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” It’s not an easy question but studies show that asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts.
2. KEEP THEM SAFE: Reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal items or places is an important part of suicide prevention. While this is not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can make a difference.
3. BE THERE: Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and feeling. Research suggests acknowledging and talking about suicide may in fact reduce rather than increase suicidal thoughts.
4. HELP THEM CONNECT: Save the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number (call or text 988) and the Crisis Text Line number (741741) in your phone so they’re there if you need them. You can also help make a connection with a trusted individual like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.
5. STAY CONNECTED: Staying in touch after a crisis or after being discharged from care can make a difference. Studies have shown the number of suicide deaths goes down when someone follows up with the at-risk person.

FIND HELP near you:

1. Click here to link you to our website.
2. Put in your zip code.
3. Navigate to the top bar to find resources for: mental health, housing, food, support, transportation, work, financial assistance, and legal.
4. You can set personal filters, program filters, and income eligibility.

If you are a minor or young adult (ages 10-24), find resources here:

• 988 - Youth
• My Life is Worth Living
• You Matter

If you are looking for LGBTQ+ specific resources, find them here:

• 988 - LGBTQ+
• It Gets Better
• The Trevor Project

If you are a veteran, find resources here:

• 988 - Veterans
• Veterans Crisis Line
• Make the Connection

Para recursos en español, haz clic aquí:

• 988 - Español

If you would like to learn more about suicide prevention:

• Find Help
• International Association for Suicide Prevention