Did you know that suicide is the second leading cause of death for people aged 15-34 in the United States? Or that annual suicide deaths total more than double the annual murder rate? In 2024 alone, more than 2 million people in the US attempted suicide. This is alarming and more evidence of the mental health crisis that has gripped our country.¹

As we wrap up National Suicide Prevention Month, we want to ensure that you have the information you need to help yourself or someone you love who may be contemplating suicide.

First, if you or someone you know if experiencing a mental health crisis or in immediate danger, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Otherwise, you can call 988 or a local crisis center, make an appointment with a mental health professional, or connect to other resources for support.

What are the warning signs?

The warning signs of suicide could be overt or discreet, so it’s important to pay attention to anything that seems amiss. These signs could include:

Suicidal threats or talking about suicide

Self-harming behaviors

Substance abuse

Engaging in risky behaviors

Drastic mood swings or behaviors

Increased irritability, hopelessness, or negative self-view

Giving away possessions

Making funeral arrangements

Having access to lethal means

While this is not an exhaustive list, these are several of the more common signs someone is thinking about or planning suicide.

How can I help?

One of the most direct and successful ways of addressing suicide with someone you know is to calmly ask them directly. It may seem counterintuitive but this approach can help a person feel seen and more willing to talk about what they’re experiencing. 

Another action step is to be a source of support by being present and listening to the person without judgment. You can also help them by removing any access to lethal means, if possible and calling the suicide hotline together or taking them to to a crisis center or other mental health professional. Additionally, checking in with the person can be effective in helping them feel supported. This can be as simple as a text or call or visiting with them to ensure they aren’t alone.

What if I feel too scared to address suicide with someone?

This is a perfectly natural response to someone who may be in crisis. Maybe you feel you don’t know what to say or could be misunderstanding the person. Maybe you feel that you will do more harm than good if you try to help. You may try to downplay their feelings, hope they’ll be open with you rather than you having to ask, or even avoid the situation entirely.

However, this avoidance or minimizing can actually have the opposite effect, leaving the person feeling alone and unsupported, increasing their risk of harming themselves. It is far better to calmly talk with the person and try to assist them using the action steps listed above. It could literally be the difference between life and death.

Don’t forget to take care of you!

Helping someone in crisis can be physically, mentally, and emotionally taxing. It is important for you to recognize your personal limits and ensure you take care of yourself through self-care, professional care, or tapping into your personal support system.

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1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2026 May, 20.) Suicide data and statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/data/index.html