Suicidal Thoughts or Threats

Overview

Suicide is a leading cause of death for people in most age groups. But often people who seriously consider suicide don't really want to die. They may think that suicide is the only way to solve their problems and end their pain.

People who have suicidal thoughts may not seek help because they feel helpless, hopeless, or worthless. These feelings may come from having a mental health problem, such as depression. These problems can be treated. It's important to seek help when suicidal thoughts occur. With treatment, you can feel better.

Many people have fleeting thoughts of death. These are less of a problem and are different from actively planning to try suicide. The risk of suicide is higher if someone often thinks about death and killing themself or if they have made a suicide plan, Opens dialog.

Who's at risk

Most people who seriously consider or attempt suicide have one or more of the following risks:

• A personal history of suicide attempts
• A family history of suicide attempts or completed suicide
• A personal or family history of severe anxiety, Opens dialog, depression, Opens dialog, or other mental health problem, such as bipolar disorder, Opens dialog or schizophrenia, Opens dialog
• A drug or alcohol problem (substance use disorder, Opens dialog)

The chance of suicide is most serious when a person has a plan for suicide that includes:

• Having the means available to try suicide or to harm another person, such as weapons or pills.
• Having set a time and place to try suicide.
• Thinking there is no other way to solve the problem or end the pain.

People who consider suicide often are undecided about choosing life or death. With compassion and support, they may choose to live.

Warning signs

The warning signs of suicide may change with age. For example:

• In children and teens, they may include the recent breakup of a relationship.
• In adults, they may include a recent job loss or divorce.
• In older adults, they may include the recent death of a partner or being diagnosed with a life-limiting illness.

Don't be afraid to talk to someone if you're worried about them. Talking about suicide may actually help to prevent suicide.

Self-Care

If you're thinking about suicide, it can help to talk to someone about your feelings. It may not be easy to reach out for help, but it's so important. We all need support from time to time, and there are people who want to help.

Consider talking with:

• A trusted family member, friend, or spiritual advisor.
• A health professional, such as your doctor or counselor.
• Other mental health resources, such as a community mental health agency or employee assistance program.

Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:

• Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
• Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
• Text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line.

Consider saving these numbers in your phone.

Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.

Family and friends: How to help

You may be able to help someone who is thinking about suicide.

If the person has a plan, Opens dialog to harm themself or someone else, call 911.

Other things you can do

• Consider your own safety. If you feel safe, stay with the person, or ask someone you trust to stay with them, until help arrives.
• Talk about the situation as openly as possible. Tell the person that you don't want them to die or to harm another person.
• Show understanding and compassion. Don't argue with the person or deny their feelings. Arguing with the person may only increase their feeling of being out of control of their life.

If you think that someone you know is thinking about suicide, encourage them to get counseling.

• You could offer to help them find a therapist.
• You may be able to help the person get to their appointment. You can even offer to go to the sessions if they want you to.

When to call for help during self-care

Call a doctor if any of the following occur during self-care at home:

• You are worried that thoughts of suicide are not going away.
• Symptoms occur more often or are more severe.

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