Suicide Resources
We care about you! Please reach out to someone for help in this moment! <3 <3 <3
Hotlines, Chat, and Text Crisis Support:
Other Resources:
- Trans Lifeline -- US: (877) 565-8860 Canada: (877) 330-6366
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender National Hotline -- 1-888-843-4564
- The Trevor Project -- 1-866-488-7386 -- chat/text crisis help -- for LGBTQ+ youth
- LGBT Youthline -- 1.800.268.9688 -- chat/text crisis help -- for LGBTQ+ youth
- USA Suicide Hotlines listed by State
- International Suicide Hotlines listed by Country
- Resources for Dealing with Suicide Situations -- a list of additional resources, including other hotlines, compiled by Ari LaTourette.
Other Resources:
- National Alliance on Mental Illness -- find local support groups and resources
- Find a Mental Health First Aid Course -- learn how to better support folks experiencing a mental health crisis.
Tips on Supporting Suicidal People
- Listen attentively to everything that the person has to say. -- Let the person talk as much as they want to. Listen closely so that you can be as supportive as possible, and learn as much as possible about what is causing the suicidal feelings.
- Be careful of the statements that you make. -- You do not want to make the person feel any worse than they already do. Being suicidal is an overwhelming situation and often people are not looking for advice so much as support, kindness, and understanding.
- Let the person express emotion in the way that they want. -- Allow the person to cry, yell, swear and do what is necessary to release the emotion, but try to steer them in ways that are not self-harmful.
- Comfort the person with words of encouragement. -- Use common sense to offer words of support. Remember that intense emotional pain can be overwhelming, so be as gentle and caring as possible. There is no script to use in situations like these, because each person and each situation is different. Listen carefully, and offer encouraging words when appropriate.
- Let the person know that you are deeply concerned. -- Tell the person that you are concerned, and show them that you are concerned. A suicidal person is highly vulnerable and needs to feel that concern.
- Encourage the person to reach out. -- There are resources specifically for suicidal folks, such as those listed above. Encourage them to also reach out to someone local to them who can support them in person.
- If the person is at a high risk of suicide, do not leave them alone. -- Do not leave a critically suicidal person alone if at all possible. Just knowing that someone is there for them will be helpful.
last updated: March 29, 2017
