Never ignore a person's comments
about suicide. Or behaviors that can lead to self-harm. Warning signs for suicide
include:
-
Threats or talk of suicide.
Talk of harming themselves or others.
-
Saying things such as “I
won’t be a problem much longer” or “Nothing matters.”
-
Giving away their things. Or
making a will or funeral plans.
-
Buying a gun or other
weapon.
- Stockpiling medicine
-
Sudden, unexplained
cheerfulness or calm after a period of depression.
If you see any of these signs, get help
right away. Call a healthcare provider, mental health clinic, or suicide hotline.
Ask
what you should do. In an emergency, call or text
988
. You
will be connected to trained crisis counselors at the National Suicide Prevention
Lifeline. An online chat option is also available at
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Lifeline is free and available 24/7. You
can also call Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).
If you are concerned that your friend may be thinking about suicide,
ask them. Asking about suicide does
not lead to suicide. If your friend talks
about suicide, act right away! Suicidal thoughts or actions are not a harmless bid
for
attention. They are a sign of extreme stress and should not be ignored.
If the threat is immediate (your friend has a plan and the means to
carry it out),
call or text 988
Don’t leave your friend alone. Remove any means, such
as guns, rope, or stockpiled pills.