If emotional pain feels unbearable or you are thinking about suicide, you deserve support now. You do not need to explain everything clearly or wait until you feel certain that it is an emergency before reaching out.
In the United States, call or text 988, or use the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If there is an immediate life-threatening emergency, contact emergency services. Outside the US, contact your local crisis line or emergency service.
For immediate support, use a crisis service rather than waiting for a reply to a blog comment or contact message.
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Focus on the next safe step
You do not have to solve your whole life in this moment. Contact a crisis counsellor or a trusted person who can help you get support. If you are alone, consider whether there is a safe person you can be with while you connect with help.
Tell the person helping you if you are worried you might act on suicidal thoughts. A crisis professional can help you think through immediate safety and appropriate next steps. If you have already harmed yourself or taken something that may be dangerous, seek emergency medical help now.
Tell someone what is happening
A first message can be simple: “I’m having thoughts of suicide and need help staying safe,” or “I’m struggling and don’t want to be alone right now.” You do not need to make the situation sound less serious to avoid upsetting someone.
If the first person does not understand or cannot help, try a crisis service or another source of support. A disappointing response does not mean that you do not deserve care.
You are not required to be strong for other people, turn your experience into an inspiring story or share private details publicly. Getting support for yourself is enough.
If you are worried about another person
Ask directly and calmly whether they are thinking about suicide. Listen without debating their feelings, blaming them or asking them to prove how serious they are.
The National Institute of Mental Health’s five action steps for supporting someone with suicidal thoughts include asking, listening, helping with safety, connecting them with support and following up. You can contact 988 in the US when you are concerned about someone else too.
Do not promise to keep an immediate safety concern secret. Involve appropriate crisis or emergency support rather than trying to manage the situation alone. Keep your own safety in view as you help.
Keep support in place after the immediate crisis
When the immediate danger has passed, a health care professional can help assess what you are experiencing and discuss ongoing care. A safety plan developed with a professional or crisis counsellor can identify people to contact and steps to take if distress rises again.
Arrange a manageable follow-up where possible: an appointment, a call with someone you trust or help getting to care. You do not have to wait until you feel hopeful to accept support. The next conversation can be a beginning.