Key facts
- Suicidal thoughts are a sign of deep pain, not weakness, and they can be treated and overcome.
- Most people who experience suicidal thoughts do not want to die; they want the pain to stop.
- Asking someone directly about suicide does not plant the idea; it can open the door to help.
- Free, confidential support is available 24/7 through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and the Crisis Text Line.
Warning signs
Suicide is often preventable when warning signs are recognized and met with support. Take notice if someone:
- Talks about wanting to die, feeling hopeless, or being a burden to others
- Withdraws from friends, family, and activities they used to value
- Experiences extreme mood swings, deep sadness, rage, or sudden calm after a low period
- Increases use of alcohol or drugs
- Gives away prized possessions or says goodbye as if for the last time
- Shows changes in sleep, appetite, or energy
- Acts anxious, agitated, or reckless
Warning signs can be subtle, and not everyone shows them. Trust your instincts. If you are worried about someone, it is always worth reaching out.
How to help someone at risk
You do not need to be a professional to make a difference. A few caring steps can help:
- Ask directly: calmly ask whether they are thinking about suicide. This shows you care and gives them permission to be honest.
- Listen without judgment: let them talk, take them seriously, and avoid arguing, lecturing, or minimizing their pain.
- Stay with them: do not leave a person at immediate risk alone, and help remove access to anything dangerous.
- Connect them to help: encourage them to call or text 988, contact a professional, or go with them to get support.
- Follow up: check in afterward. Staying connected shows they matter.
If you are struggling
If you are having thoughts of suicide, please know that you are not alone and that this pain can ease. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not failure. You can call or text 988 any time to talk with someone who understands, or text HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line. Try to stay with someone you trust, remove access to anything you could use to harm yourself, and hold on through the moment; intense suicidal feelings are often temporary, even when they feel permanent. Conditions like depression and anxiety are treatable, and support is available.
Myths about suicide
- Myth: Talking about suicide makes it more likely. Asking openly and with care does not plant the idea. It can bring relief and open the way to help.
- Myth: People who talk about suicide are not serious. Talking about it is often a cry for help and should always be taken seriously.
- Myth: There is nothing you can do. Support, treatment, and connection genuinely help. Many people who survive a crisis go on to live full lives.
- Myth: Suicidal people want to die. Most want the pain to end, not life itself. With help, the pain can become bearable.
Where to get help
Help is available, and it is free and confidential:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org, any time, day or night.
- Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
- Emergency services: call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if there is immediate danger.
- A mental health professional: a therapist or doctor can provide ongoing treatment and support.
Outside the US, contact your local emergency number or a national crisis line in your country.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if someone tells me they are suicidal?
Stay calm, listen without judgment, and take them seriously. Do not leave them alone if they are at immediate risk, help remove access to anything dangerous, and connect them with the 988 Lifeline or a professional right away.
Is it okay to ask someone directly if they are thinking about suicide?
Yes. Research shows that asking directly does not increase risk. It often brings relief and opens the door to honest conversation and help.
Can suicidal thoughts go away?
Yes. Suicidal thoughts are usually tied to pain that feels unbearable in the moment but can be treated. With support and treatment, the thoughts often ease, and many people recover and go on to live full lives.