Help is available 24 hours/day, 365 days/year. You’ll be connected with a trained counselor ready to assist you with issues of suicide, depression, and personal crisis. Call or Text 988 for the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Thinking about suicide?
Are you having suicidal thoughts? Help is available and recovery is possible.
- Call or Text 988 for the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Dial 911 in case of emergency
- Go to the nearest emergency room
- Tell someone you need help right now
- Avoid situations that might cause additional trauma
Call or visit the nearest UPMC emergency room right away. You will be given community programs and resources to address your specific situation.
Do you know someone that may be at risk for suicide?
How do you know if someone you care about is at risk of suicide? Many people with suicidal thoughts tend to give clues and warning signs regarding their suicidal intentions. Risk factors and warning signs include the following;
- Withdrawing from friends, family, and society
- Suicide threats and previous suicide attempts
- Depression
- Out of character behavior, dramatic mood changes, and recklessness
- Feelings of desperation, hopelessness, no way out
- Anxiety and panic attack
- Increased substance abuse
- Aggressive and impulsive behaviors
- Making final arrangements
How can you help?
- Let the person know that they are not alone
- Always take suicide threats seriously
- Show you genuinely care
- Ask the person directly if he/she is having suicidal thoughts and ideas
- Listen carefully and reflect on what you hear
- Ask if they have a plan for ending their life
- Ask if they have access to lethal means (pills, weapons, etc.)
- Get help (call the numbers, follow the instructions at the top of this page
Many studies have shown that talking to someone about suicide lowers anxiety and decreases suicidal thoughts.