If I am experiencing suicidal thoughts.
If you are in danger of acting on suicidal thoughts
or are in any other life-threatening crisis, please call emergency services in your area (9-1-1 in the U.S.)
CALL 911
or go to your nearest hospital emergency room.
If you are having
thoughts of suicide
call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at
1-800-273-8255 (TALK)
If you are worried for someone else
Learn how to show Ask, Be There, Keep them Safe, Help them Connect, and Follow Up. Click for some tools that can help make a difficult conversation go a little smoother.
If you’re feeling suicidal at this moment, please follow these five steps:
Even though you’re in a lot of pain right now, give yourself some distance between thoughts and action. Make a promise to yourself: “I will wait 24 hours and won’t do anything drastic during that time.” Or, wait a week.
Thoughts and actions are two different things—your suicidal thoughts do not have to become a reality. There is no deadline, no one’s pushing you to act on these thoughts immediately. Wait. Wait and put some distance between your suicidal thoughts and suicidal action.
Suicidal thoughts can become even stronger if you have taken drugs or alcohol. It is important to not use nonprescription drugs or alcohol when you feel hopeless or are thinking about suicide.
Remove things you could use to hurt yourself, such as pills, knives, razors, or firearms. If you are unable to do so, go to a place where you can feel safe. If you are thinking of taking an overdose, give your medicines to someone who can return them to you one day at a time as you need them.
Many of us have found that the first step to coping with suicidal thoughts and feelings is to share them with someone we trust. It may be a family member, friend, therapist, member of the clergy, teacher, family doctor, coach, or an experienced counselor at the end of a helpline.
Find someone you trust and let them know how bad things are. Don’t let fear, shame, or embarrassment prevent you from seeking help. And if the first person you reach out to doesn’t seem to understand, try someone else. Just talking about how you got to this point in your life can release a lot of the pressure that’s building up and help you find a way to cope.
Even people who feel as badly as you are feeling now manage to survive these feelings. Take hope in this. There is a very good chance that you are going to live through these feelings, no matter how much self-loathing, hopelessness, or isolation you are currently experiencing. Just give yourself the time needed and don’t try to go it alone.
No matter what you’re going through, help is available.
If You’re Struggling Or Having Thoughts Of Suicide,
Call Colorado Crisis Services, (844) 493-8255
or text TALK to 38255
