Breathe Through It

The behaviors listed below may be signs that someone is thinking about suicide:

• Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves

• Talking about feeling empty, hopeless, or having no reason to live

• Making a plan or looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching for lethal methods online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun

• Talking about great guilt or shame

• Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions

• Feeling unbearable pain (emotional pain or physical pain)

• Talking about being a burden to others

• Using alcohol or drugs more often

• Acting anxious or agitated

• Withdrawing from family and friends

• Changing eating and/or sleeping habits

• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

• Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast

• Talking or thinking about death often

• Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy

• Giving away important possessions

• Saying goodbye to friends and family

• Putting affairs in order, making a will

If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know, get help as soon as possible, particularly if the behavior is new or has increased recently.

Help is available by calling or texting 988. Visit our Crisis Support Page for direct links.

Suicide does not discriminate. People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities can be at risk.

Suicidal behavior is complex, and there is no single cause. Many different factors contribute to someone making a suicide attempt. But people most at risk tend to share specific characteristics.

The main risk factors for suicide are:

• Depression, other mental disorders, or substance abuse disorder

• Certain medical conditions

• Chronic pain

• A prior suicide attempt

• Family history of a mental disorder or substance abuse

• Family history of suicide

• Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse

• Having guns or other firearms in the home

• Having recently been released from prison or jail

• Being exposed to others' suicidal behavior, such as that of family members, peers, or celebrities

Many people have some of these risk factors but do not attempt suicide. It is important to note that suicide is not a normal response to stress.

Suicidal thoughts or actions are a sign of extreme distress, not a harmless bid for attention, and should not be ignored.

Here are five steps you can take to #BeThe1 to help someone in emotional pain:

1. Ask: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”

   It’s not an easy question, but studies show that asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts.

2. Keep Them Safe: Reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal items or places is an important part of suicide prevention.

   While this is not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can make a difference.

3. Be There: Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and feeling.

   Research suggests acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal thoughts.

4. Help Them Connect: Save the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number 988 and the Crisis Text Line’s number (741741) in your phone, so it’s there when you need it.

   You can also help make a connection with a trusted individual like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.

5. Stay Connected: Staying in touch after a crisis or after being discharged from care can make a difference.

   Studies have shown the number of suicide deaths goes down when someone follows up with the at-risk person.

Protective factors are characteristics that help to adapt to different levels of hardship.

Studies show protective factors act as a buffer against suicidal thoughts and attempts.

Here are some examples of protective factors:

• Strong family support and relationships

• Community and social support

• Religious and spiritual engagement

• Personal factors like positive self-esteem and emotional wellbeing

• Factors like stable housing, income and employment

Take time to learn more or become certified.

We offer FREE suicide prevention training called Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR), which teaches three simple steps that anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide.

Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help.

Sign up for free QPR training