If you or someone you know needs help now

It’s hard to know what to do when you suspect someone may be suicidal.  If your friend expresses suicidal thoughts or intent, find a mental health specialist right away.  If you are unsure what to do, contact the 24-Hour Crisis Line (King County Crisis Clinic) at 866.427.4747.  This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Here are some helpful tips:

• Listen and let your friend express their feelings
• Don’t tell your friend what you think they should do
• Let your friend know that you will support them no matter what
• Don’t act shocked
• Get support from crisis intervention specialists right away
• Remove any methods of suicide, like weapons or medications

Recognize risk factors and warning signs

Use your knowledge of risks and warning signs of suicide to help your friends and peers find help if they have problems.

Risks

• Being in an abusive relationship.  Any kind of abuse, including intimate partner violence, can lead to suicide.  If a friend has unexplained bruises or other injuries that they refuse to discuss, you may have cause to worry.
• Having an eating disorder.  An unexplained, dramatic change in weight may indicate that something is wrong.
• Experiencing difficulty in adjusting to sexual orientation and/or gender identity.  Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and trans people have higher suicide attempt rates than their straight peers.
• Depression.  Depression is a mental illness that can increase a person’s risk of suicide.

Warning signs

The following warning signs may indicate that someone is considering suicide.

• A sudden decline in school performance.  Students who suddenly start ignoring assignments and skipping classes may be experiencing a mental health issue.
• A strong interest in death or violence.  An unusual interest in death or violence may be expressed through writing or artwork, an obsession with violent media or a fascination with weapons.
• Unhealthy peer relationships.  Students facing difficulties in making friends or suddenly rejecting friends may be at risk.
• Violent mood swings or a sudden change in personality.  Friends who become moody, withdrawn, or angry may be experiencing a mental health issue.

Warning signs that demand action right away

• Announcing that the person plans to end their life
• Talking or writing about suicide or death
• Being alone rather than with friends
• Giving away important possessions
• Neglecting their appearance and hygiene
• Obtaining a weapon or other things to hurt themselves, such as prescription medications