WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE THINKING ABOUT KILLING YOURSELF?
If you are thinking about killing yourself now or have done something already:
- Call or text 9-8-8 to have access to 24/7 bilingual, trauma-informed, and culturally appropriate suicide prevention support.
- Call the 1-800-SUICIDE Helpline (1-800-784-2433)
- If you feel that you cannot keep yourself safe, call 911 or go your nearest emergency room
If you are having thoughts of suicide, you might be feeling hopeless and overwhelmed right now. But, you don’t need to deal with these difficult thoughts and feelings on your own. There are people who want to help you and things you can do to manage these thoughts. Know that your pain will ease and it can get better. The fact that you are reading this is a good sign.
If you are thinking about ways to kill yourself reach out and tell someone.
It may seem really hard to tell someone you are thinking about killing yourself, but there are people who want to help you. Most people who have thought of suicide find that talking about it can really help. It allows you to release the feelings and get some perspective. You will likely realize that you don’t want to die. Talking to someone can also help you find other support services and see other ways of looking at the problems or feelings that are making you feel this way. It can help you see there are reasons for living.
Before you talk to someone you may want to write down what you want to say, because having this conversation can be difficult. For more information visit the Tips for Talking to Someone.
Some people you could talk to are: a family member, teacher, counsellor, doctor or coach. If you feel like the people you know won’t be able to handle what you tell them, or you don’t want to tell someone you know you can always call or text 9-8-8 or contact the 1-800-SUICIDE Helpline 24/7 (1-800-784-2433), or go to your nearest emergency room.
Things you can do to manage suicidal thoughts
- Talk to someone about how you are feeling and tell them that you are thinking of suicide – a friend, family member, school counsellor, doctor, coach or someone at a 1-800-SUICIDE Helpline (1-800-784-2433) or call or text 9-8-8. Reaching out to anyone is a great first step.
- Make a safety plan. It’s best to get help making the plan from a health care professional or trusted adult, but you can also make it on your own. Your safety plan may include:
- warning signs
- reasons to live
- things you can do to make yourself feel better
- how to make your environment safe
- things you can do on your own
- people you can connect with.
- Avoid being alone.
- Don’t use drugs or alcohol. Drugs and alcohol can actually make you feel worse. You may also act on impulse while under the influence.
- Think of the reasons you have to live. Write them down with a pen and paper, or on your phone. Look at them when you are having suicidal thoughts.