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.