There is HOPE if you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis

Knowing how to respond to a mental health crisis and locating available supports can make a difference. Learn more about how to recognize signs of a crisis, helping someone who is experiencing a suicide crisis, locating help, and other educational resources below. 

Thoughts and feelings of suicide can happen to anyone. According to the CDC, nearly 48,000 people died by suicide in the U.S. in 2021.

Some common warning signs include:

• Talking about wanting to die or killing oneself.
• Expressing feelings of hopelessness or having no reason to live.
• Expressing feeling trapped or experiencing emotional pain. 

According to the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), other common signs of suicide include: 

• Withdrawing from friends, family and community.
• Increased alcohol or drug use.
• Dramatic mood swings.
• Aggressive behavior.
• Impulsive or reckless behavior.
• Collecting and saving pills or buying a weapon.
• Giving away possessions.
• Tying up loose ends, like organizing personal papers or paying off debts.
• Saying goodbye to friends and family.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the above or is having thoughts of suicide call 988 for 24/7 crisis support. Read more about what to expect when you reach out to a crisis-line in out "what to expect when I reach out" section here.

Knowing how to respond during a crisis can feel overwhelming. However, practicing active listening, being supportive, and knowing where to get appropriate help can make a difference. 

Assessing for the risk of suicide or harm can help you understand the urgency of a crisis situation. Calmly and directly asking questions like "are you having thoughts of suicide" or "do you have a plan to kill yourself?" can help you identify an immediate risk of suicide.

If you are concerned about a person's immediate safety, call 911 or a 24/7 crisis line like 988 for emergency support. 

It is important to note that all thoughts of suicide should be taken seriously, even if a person expresses they do not have a plan.

The National Alliance on Mental Health recommends the following when helping someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis: 

• Talk openly and honestly. Don’t be afraid to ask questions like: “Do you have a plan for how you would kill yourself?”
• Remove means such as guns, knives or stockpiled pills.
• Calmly ask simple and direct questions, like “Can I help you call your psychiatrist?”
• If there are multiple people around, have one person speak at a time.
• Express support and concern.
• Don’t argue, threaten or raise your voice.
• Don’t debate whether suicide is right or wrong.
• If you’re nervous, try not to fidget or pace.
• Be patient.

There are certain factors that can increase the risk of suicide, including:

• Family history of suicide.
• Prior suicide attempt(s).
• Substance use, including alcohol and drugs.
• Intoxication
• Access to firearms or lethal means (learn more below)
• Mental health disorders or history of trauma and abuse.
• Isolation.
• A serious or chronic medical illness.
• Prolonged stress.
• A recent tragedy or loss.

However, there is hope. Many factors have been shown to lessen the risk of suicide, including:

• Accessing quality mental health services.
• Social support and connecting with family, friends, communities, and other social institutions.
• Cultural, religious, or personal beliefs that discourage suicide or self-harm.

Access to lethal means during a crisis, such as firearms and medication, can increase the risk of suicide. Reducing access during a mental health crisis can help save lives. 

According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Some tips for reducing access include: 

• Storing firearms with law enforcement if allowed.
• Locking up firearms and giving the key to a friend until the crisis has passed. 
• Keeping medications secured and out of children's reach.
• Have a family member or friend help manage medication dosages.
• Storing medications with a family or friend until the crisis has passed.

Learn more about the safe storage of lethal means here.

988 Factsheet (English)

988 Factsheet (Spanish)

SAMSHA: Finding Support During a Crisis

SAMSHA: Preventing Suicide

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Guide to navigating a Mental Health Crisis

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Warning Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Challenges

#chatsafe: A Young Person's Guide for Communicating Safety Online About Suicide

U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs: Lethal Means Safety and Suicide Prevention

Suicide Prevention Resource Center: Suicide Risk and Protective Factors for Adults

Suicide Prevention Resource Center: Suicide Risk and Protective Factors for Youth