Recognizing when people in our lives are struggling with emotional pain and helping them feel comfortable to talk about it can help prevent mental health crises, including suicide. Learning the warning signs, knowing how to start a conversation, and knowing where to get professional help can make a powerful, life-changing difference.
#1 Know the signs
Warning signs of suicidal thoughts indicate that someone might be in acute danger and urgently need help, and they can vary by age, gender, sexuality & cultural identity.
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself
- Looking for a way to kill oneself
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
- Talking about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain, wanting it to end or not wanting to wake up
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious, agitated, or reckless
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Displaying extreme mood swings
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#2 Find the words
If you are worried about someone's mental health, it is important to have the courage to start the conversation, share what you notice, listen empathetically, and offer help.
- Ask about how they are doing, if they are having thoughts of suicide, ending their life, or pain
- Express your concern about what you are observing in their behavior
- Listen attentively and non-judgmentally
- Reflect on what they share and let them know they have been heard
- Tell them they are not alone- let them know there are people and treatments available that can help
- If you are or they are concerned, guide them to additional professional help
#3 Reach out for help
- Keep a list of crisis and local resources to refer to if needed.
For crisis support:
- Call the lifeline at 988 or text "HELP" to 741741 for free crisis counseling 24/7/365
- Call 9-1-1 and request a crisis-trained responder
- Go to your local emergency room
For ongoing therapeutic support:
Care Solace is a 24/7/365 coordination service to help find local mental health programs and counseling services. Care Solace will help you quickly find an appointment matched to your unique needs, regardless of circumstance. The Care Solace team can help with all types of care.
If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider:
- Call 888-515-0595. Multilingual support is available 24/7/365
- Visit www.caresolace.com/lagrande and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.
Learn more about how to know the signs, find the words, and reach out for help here.
