If ever you are concerned that your loved one is in imminent danger of hurting themselves or someone else, please do not hesitate to take them to the nearest emergency room or call 911 for help.
As a loved one, you can contact The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline that has trained crisis workers available 24/7 who can guide you through options to help your loved one with their thoughts of suicide. You can reach the Lifeline by calling (800) 273-8255.
You may wish to consult the Risk of Suicide page on NAMI’s website that discusses how to help when a loved one shows signs of suicidal thoughts. Also, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers helpful guidance on how to help When Someone is at Risk.
Additionally, Speaking of Suicide.com is a website for individuals and their loved ones and survivors that provides extensive information on resources for help. In particular, the website provides extensive information in its Friends and Family section on how to talk with and help someone who is having suicidal thoughts.
Additional resources that may be of help:
- American Association of Suicidology is a National clearinghouse/directory for suicide resources, statistics, etc. Maintains a support group finder for attempt survivors and loss survivors.
- Know the Signs offers an interactive tool to help loved ones recognize the signs of suicidal ideation, along with a helpful guide for talking to someone about suicide.
- My 3 is a downloadable App recommended by the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline that creates a safety plan for those experiencing suicidal thoughts, including whom to contact when having suicidal ideation.
- Now Matters now is an online resource that provides support for coping with suicidal thoughts through teaching skills based on DBT; includes videos of personal stories.
- The Buddy Project aims to prevent suicide and to provide self-harm alternatives by pairing teens through social media as buddies and raising awareness for mental health.