Know what to look for:
Talk or threats to harm oneself
Looking for a way to kill oneself
Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide
It's scary when a friend or loved one is thinking about suicide, and it can be intimidating to identify a suicidal crisis and know how to respond.
We can offer additional help if someone you care about is struggling.
Less obvious signs that could mean someone is at risk:
Increased substance use (alcohol or drug)
Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness; no sense of purpose in life
Anxiety, agitation or uncontrolled anger
Unable to sleep or sleeping all of the time
Feelings of being trapped– like there’s no way out
Withdrawal from friends, family and society
Acting recklessly or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
Dramatic mood changes
What you can do
Don’t ignore the signs, trust your judgement. Research shows that talking about suicide doesn’t increase the likelihood that someone will kill themselves... in fact, connecting with someone that cares can make all the difference.
Call us toll-free any time at 1.833.456.4566, or text us at 45645 between 4PM-12AM ET. We can prepare you to provide support, make a plan to ensure the safety of the individual, and connect you to additional resources for professional help. CSPS responders are also trained to speak directly to the third-party, should you have concerns about assessing risk and providing support yourself.