Are you experiencing suicidal thoughts or have attempted suicide and don’t know what to do? It may feel like a black cloud that follows you everywhere and just doesn’t lift. You are not alone. And, you don’t have to go through this alone. How can you get the help you need?
Helping a family member or a friend who experience suicidal thoughts can be overwhelming and stressful. Has your family member or friend attempted suicide or died by suicide? You too, don’t have to go through this alone. How can you get the help you need?
There is help available. It may start with talking with a professional who has experience helping other individuals who experience suicidal thoughts or individuals who have family members or friends who also struggle with suicide thoughts or have attempted or died by suicide. There are also resources available for those who feel overwhelmed and lost. There are several platforms to choose from (text, phone, web, in person support services available).
Lifelines and Crisis Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or experiencing a crisis, please reach out to one of the following trusted resources. These organizations provide immediate support, whether through phone, text, or online chat:
1. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Website: suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat
Phone: 988
Available 24/7, the Lifeline offers free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.
2. IMAlive
Phone: 1-800-784-2433
IMAlive is a live online crisis network that provides help through a team of trained volunteers, offering support via chat and phone to those in crisis.
3. Crisis Text Line
Text: HOME to 741741
This free, 24/7 text service provides immediate assistance to anyone in crisis, connecting them with a trained crisis counselor who can offer support and guidance.
4. SAMHSA’s National Helpline
Phone: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline is a confidential, free service that provides information, support, and referrals for mental health and substance use disorders, available 24/7.
5. California Youth Crisis Line
Phone: 1-800-843-5200
This 24/7 crisis line offers confidential support, counseling, and referrals to youth and their families in California, addressing issues like depression, bullying, and suicide.
6. The Trevor Project
Phone: 1-866-488-7386
Website: thetrevorproject.org
The Trevor Project provides 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ youth, offering a safe and supportive space for young people to talk about their mental health and get the help they need.
7. Veterans Crisis Line
Website: veteranscrisisline.net
Phone: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)
Text: 838255
Chat: veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chat
8. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline
Website: nami.org/help
Phone: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Text: Text “NAMI” to 741741
9. Lifeline for Attempt Survivors
Website: survivorsuicide.org
Provides resources and support for individuals who have survived a suicide attempt.
10. The Jed Foundation (Support for college students)
Website: jedfoundation.org
Focuses on mental health and suicide prevention among college students.
11. The Dougy Center (Grief support for children and families)
Website: dougy.org
Provides support and resources for children, teens, young adults, and families grieving a death.
12. RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) Hotline
Website: rainn.org
Phone: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
Offers support for survivors of sexual violence, who may be at risk for suicide.
13. Safe Alternatives (Support for self-harm)
Website: selfinjury.com
Phone: 1-800-DON’T-CUT (1-800-366-8288)
Provides resources and support for individuals struggling with self-harm.
14. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
Website: afsp.org
Offers resources for suicide prevention, education, and support for survivors of suicide loss.
15. YouthLine
Website: oregonyouthline.org
Phone: 1-877-968-8491
Text: Teen2Teen to 839863
Peer-to-peer crisis support for teens.
Information About Suicide and Self-Harm
Help Guide Suicide Prevention – Information about suicide, misconceptions about suicide, warning signs, and prevention tips. This website also includes information for individuals who are supporting family members or friends who are suicidal.
Mayo Clinic – Information about how to support someone who is suicidal (what questions to ask, warning signs to look out for, how to seek immediate help (also please see the “Suicide Lifelines” information above), and information for teens.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – Information about suicide prevention, what to do when someone is in crisis, signs and symptoms of suicidality, risk factors, treatment options, and other information.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (website) – information about suicide prevention.
Youth Suicide Warning Signs – Information about youth suicide for youth and caregivers, family members, and friends of teens who are suicidal.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – Information about suicide prevention and additional resources for support.
Healthline Suicide Prevention Resource Guide – Resources, phone numbers, and websites that provide linkages to support for persons who are suicidal and family members and friends who support someone who is suicidal.
Suicide Prevention Resource Center – Offers resources for suicide prevention programs, training, and research.
Self-Injury Outreach and Support (SIOS) – Provides educational resources, personal stories, and support options for individuals who self-harm and those who care about them.
To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) – Provides educational resources, connect individuals to treatment and recovery options, and offer stories of hope and recovery.
You are not alone. You are seen, you are heard, and your story is not over.
