Suicide Awareness and Prevention Toolkit

It’s tough to start the conversation about suicide. Whether you need help or want to help someone else, here are some resources to help you take the first step toward hope and healing.

I need help

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, tell someone right away. You can:

• Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
• Talk to someone, such as a friend, family member, counselor or teacher.
• Call or text the suicide prevention lifeline at 988. The lifeline is always open and is free and confidential.

Remember, you are not alone. There is always someone who cares.

I want to help someone else

If you’re worried about a friend, family member or classmate, you can help by:

• Staying with them when they are in crisis.
• Calling the suicide prevention lifeline 988 on their behalf.
• Going with them to talk to a trusted adult.
• Helping them move to a safe location or removing dangerous items from the area.
• Standing up against bullying. Be an advocate for others who are struggling.

What are the warning signs of suicide?

Suicide is preventable. Talking to someone about suicide will not make them more likely to act—in fact, research shows that providing support and talking about suicide is helpful to people in crisis.

Watch for these signs and tell a trusted adult if you have concerns:

• Often talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide.
• Making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless.
• Expressions of having no reason for living; no sense of purpose in life; saying things like "It would be better if I wasn't here" or "I want out."
• Increased alcohol and/or drug misuse.
• Withdrawal from friends, family and community.
• Detaching themselves from their daily activities; not wanting to do things that brought them joy.
• Reckless behavior or more risky activities, seemingly without thinking.
• Dramatic mood changes or not acting like their usual self.
• Talking about feeling trapped or being a burden to others.