Crisis and suicide prevention
If you may act on suicidal thoughts right now
If you are in immediate danger, have already harmed yourself, or think you may act on suicidal thoughts soon, call your local emergency number now or go to the nearest emergency room. In the United States or Canada, call 911.
You do not have to be alone with this. Reach out to a crisis line now, or ask someone near you to stay with you while you make the call or send the text.
Crisis lines
What to do right now if you are struggling
- Move closer to other people. Go where another person is present, even if you don't feel like talking.
- Contact a crisis line. Tell one real person, plainly: “I am not safe by myself right now,” or “I am having thoughts of suicide and need you to stay with me.”
- Put time and distance between yourself and anything you could use to hurt yourself. If you can, ask someone else to hold it until the crisis passes.
- Stay off drugs and alcohol if you can. They make a crisis worse.
- Focus on the next ten minutes, not forever. Call, text, or chat. Breathe. Sit near another person. Drink water. Let the next safe step be enough.
If you are worried about someone else
Take it seriously. Ask directly: “Are you thinking about suicide?” Asking does not put the idea into someone's head. Stay with them if the risk feels immediate, and help them contact a crisis line. If they are in imminent danger, call emergency services. Help keep them safe by reducing access to anything they could use to hurt themselves, and follow up after the immediate moment passes.
Helpful things to say
- “I'm really glad you told me.”
- “You do not have to handle this alone.”
- “I'm staying with you while we get help.”
- “Let's call or text a crisis line together right now.”
Things to avoid
Minimizing, debating, shaming, preaching, or trying to “logic” someone out of suicidal pain. Avoid “you have so much to live for,” “others have it worse,” “just calm down,” or “you wouldn't really do that.” Listen without judgment, and stay.
Warning signs
Talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless or trapped, unbearable emotional pain, feeling like a burden, withdrawing from others, major mood changes, increased substance use, recklessness, giving away possessions, sleeping too much or too little, rage, or seeking access to lethal means. Risk is especially concerning when the behavior is new or increasing, or follows a painful loss, crisis, or major change.
What happens when you contact a crisis line
Trained responders listen, help lower the immediate danger, explore what is going on, and help connect you to next steps. The service is free and nonjudgmental. Different countries handle confidentiality, emergency intervention, and follow-up differently, which is why the country-specific links above matter.
A note for recovery communities
Suicidal thoughts can show up alongside relapse, withdrawal, shame, grief, trauma, loneliness, or fear of consequences. A spiritual program, a meeting, a sponsor, or the fellowship can be deeply important — but they are not a substitute for crisis care when someone may be in danger. In a crisis, involve professional support immediately.
This page is for crisis support and prevention information. It is not a replacement for emergency services, medical care, or mental health treatment.