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Dealing with suicidal thoughts? A safety plan can help you cope and keep safe.

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Dealing with suicidal thoughts? A safety plan can help you cope and keep safe.

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Mental Health Tx: Suicide Prevention Resources

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Mental Health Tx: Suicide Prevention Resources

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If you or someone you know is in crisis right now, call 911, go to the nearest hospital, or call the National Suicide Prevention line by dialing 988 for both English and Spanish. If you are a veteran, press 1. People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have hearing loss can contact the Lifeline via TTY by dialing 711 and then 988. There are people willing and ready to help you or your loved one.

Suicide attempts are not driven by a single motivation for everyone. For some, suicide is seen as the only solution to chronic emotional or physical pain. Other times, a person may feel overwhelmed and unable to resolve negative life events. For others, a suicide attempt may be a means of communicating to others their severe suffering and the seriousness of their need. Many times, a person who is contemplating suicide is living with a mental health condition, such as depression or bipolar disorder. All suicide attempts should be taken seriously, and appropriate help should be sought for the person.

Suicide is on the rise globally, accounting for nearly one million deaths annually. The suicide rate has increased by over 30% in the last 20 years, and in 2016, suicide became the 2nd leading cause of death among ages 10-34. Over the past decade, the rates of children hospitalized for suicidal thoughts or behaviors have doubled.

These rising suicide rates call on each of us to pay closer attention to how the people we know and love are coping with life. Just because someone's life appears to be good on the outside doesn't mean all is well in their more private moments.

Suicide Warning Signs

Can include statements like:

"I want to kill myself"

"I wish I were dead"

"I feel hopeless"

"There's no reason to live"

"I just want the pain to end"

"I'm too much of a burden"

"I feel trapped"

Can include behaviors, such as:

Seeking access to means to kill oneself (pills, weapon)

Increased use of alcohol or drugs

Giving away prized possessions

Calling others to say goodbye

Talking or writing about death

Isolating from others

Withdrawing from activities

Researching ways to die by suicide

If you notice that someone is saying statements like these or starting to engage in these behaviors, it is important to ask them about how they are doing. Starting an open conversation and asking directly if someone is thinking about killing themselves does not increase the chances someone will attempt suicide and it could save their life.

Learn important information on how to help someone who may have suicidal thoughts or feelings. Download the suicide prevention wallet card (PDF) which identifies warning signs, specific steps to help someone and resources to get help.

If you experience difficulty accessing care or if you're having issues with your health plan, the Texas Department of Insurance and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission's Office of the Ombudsman might be able to help. They can also help you learn more about your rights.

Sources

CDC: NCHS Data Brief No. 309, June 2018
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db309.htm

Learn more about Suicide and other behavioral health conditions at our eLearning Hub. The quick, informative courses are designed to equip you with knowledge, resources, and hope for the future - for yourself or for someone else you care about.
Visit eLearning Hub

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If you or someone you know is in crisis right now, call 911, go to the nearest hospital, or call National Suicide Prevention line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

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AFSP: West Texas Chapter (Resources & Student Presentations)

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AFSP: West Texas Chapter (Resources & Student Presentations)

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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

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Are you in a crisis? Call or text 988 or text TALK to 741741

Accessibility/Select Language

About the AFSP West Texas Chapter

The grassroots work we do focuses on eliminating the loss of life from suicide by: delivering innovative prevention programs, educating the public about risk factors and warning signs, raising funds for suicide research and programs, and reaching out to those individuals who have lost someone to suicide.

As a part of AFSP's growing nationwide network of chapters, we bring together people from all backgrounds who want to prevent suicide in our communities. Families and friends who have lost someone to suicide, vulnerable individuals, mental health professionals, clergy, educators, students, community/business leaders, and many others energize our chapter.

Featured Programs

Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention is a community-based presentation that covers the general scope of suicide, the research on prevention, and what people can do to fight suicide.

It's Real is a documentary featuring the stories of six college students from across the country.

Healing Conversations gives survivors of suicide loss the opportunity to speak with volunteers, who are themselves loss survivors.

Sign up for our newsletter

Receive updates from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Connection makes a difference

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The grassroots work we do focuses on eliminating the loss of life from suicide by delivering prevention programs, educating the public, raising funds for suicide research and programs, & reaching out to individuals who have lost someone to suicide.

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Suicide Survivor Teen & Parent Support Groups (Virtual)

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Suicide Survivor Teen & Parent Support Groups (Virtual)

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Suicide Loss Support Groups - Southern Suicide Survivors

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Suicide loss support groups are essential in offering understanding, companionship, and hope during challenging times of grief, acting as a crucial support system.

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Teachers - Adolescent Suicide Prevention - English

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C-SSRS Screener Training - English (USA)

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Sample Student Safety Plan 5th-12th Grade

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Protocol 1 Conference Form (rev 7-28-21)

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Guardian Conference Letter - Moderate Risk

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Guardian Conference Letter - Moderate Risk

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Protocol 2 Conference Form (rev 7-28-21)

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Protocol 3 Conference Form (rev 7-28-21)

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FINAL Resources for Suicide Prevention and Intervention

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Parent - Wallet Card for Adolescent Suicide Prevention - English

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Home - Stanley-Brown Safety Planning Intervention

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"How has the safety plan helped me?" "It has saved my life more than once." The Stanley-Brown Safety Planning Intervention is a brief, collaborative intervention between the clinician and the suicidal individual that aims to mitigate acute risk. For virtual and online training click here How does it work?

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Transition Packet (1-18-22) w-o Safety Plan

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Example - School Suicide Response Checklist

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Example - School Suicide Response Checklist

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Suicide Response Checklists All Protocols (rev 11-9-21)

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Role of HS Teacher in Preventing Suicide

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Role of HS Teacher in Preventing Suicide

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Role of High School Teachers Revised FINAL v2_6-14-19

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Role of HS Mental Health Providers in Prevention Suicide

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Role of HS Mental Health Providers in Prevention Suicide

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Role of HS MH Providers Revised FINAL v3_6-18-19

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Examples of Actions to Take Based Upon Outcome of Screening Tool

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Sample Parent Notification_ Student Expressing Suicidal Ideation

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Student Interventions - Suicide Prevention

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The Suicide Prevention Resource Center at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center is supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), under Grant No. 1H79SM083028-03

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The Texas Suicide Prevention Collaborative relies on generous contributions from community members like you to support our work. The fact is that persons who are impacted by mental illness or who need support for suicide prevention, suicide loss, or a previous attempt rarely come into contact with the public mental health system. Many go without treatment or support at all.

To help communities, we must build and support locally available resources for those who may be at risk of suicide-and that's the essential work of the Texas Suicide Prevention Collaborative. Given the size of Texas, this task is challenging, but with your support, we can accomplish it-together.

We now accept crypto donations along with traditional monetary donations. Please support those who need help in your community today.

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Texas Suicide Prevention | Know the Signs. Save a Life.

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The Texas Suicide Prevention Collaborative relies on generous contributions from community members like you to support our work. The fact is that persons who are impacted by mental illness or who need support for suicide prevention, suicide loss, or a previous attempt rarely come into contact with the public mental health system.

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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

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https://afsp.org/

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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

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Learn about suicide, how you can help prevent it, and resources for those affected, from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Our mission: save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide

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Welcome to the new AS+K? Basic Course. This course updates the original ASK? course is approximately 1 hour in length. It is followed by a 10 question quiz. This course is suited for persons who require suicide prevention gatekeeper skills for their communities and employers. It has been designed to meet the requirements for Texas and Texas educators. This online training is intended to meet Texas K-12 public school suicide prevention training requirements and other suicide prevention training needs.

The original AS+K? curriculum is listed on the SPRC resources and programs page: http://www.sprc.org/resources-programs/ask-about-suicide-save-life

What is this course about?

AS+K? About Suicide To Save A Life (Basic) provides participants with an overview of the basic epidemiology of suicide and suicidal behavior, including risk and protective factors. In this one hour e-learning based course, participants are trained to recognize warning signs-behaviors and characteristics that might indicate elevated risk for suicidal behavior-and the initial intervention steps to support a person they think might be at risk for suicide. Please note this course is designed for public health information purposes only and is not designed to assess, screen, diagnose or treat any mental or physical health condition. If you or someone you know may be at risk of suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 (TALK) to receive qualified support and care. If you are in a crisis situation, do not wait. Call 9-1-1 or your mental health provider.

If you have concerns or questions about your suitability for this course or its content, please contact your human resources department or your supervisor. Always follow the protocols and guidelines established by your employer or workplace.

Registration Walkthrough

What you'll need to register

If you are a Texas educator, you will need your TEA County District number (a six digit number assigned to your school district or charter school configured as "xxx-xxx"). If you do not know your County District Number, please contact your Education Service Center or designated administrator in your school district.

If you are not a Texas K-12 educator but still registering, you can leave the field blank when signing up.

Steps To Complete this Course

Set up an account using the button below with your registration info on hand.

Open the AS+K? Basic Gatekeeper Training (if not already done so) by navigating to all courses and selecting the respective course.

Launch the training by selecting the "Start button"

Download the handout in your respective language.

Complete the training and take the quiz.

If you receive a score of 80% or higher, download your certificate by marking your training as complete. If you are having difficulty finding the certificate download or complete button, ensure all sections of the training (the sidebar to the left) have blue check marks beside them.

Follow your employer's instructions for submitting your certificate of completion.

Important Note

The quiz will become available once you have completed the training.

TEXAS SCHOOL PERSONNEL: You must provide your work email address in the course registration AND Identify your School District or TEA County/District Number to ensure you receive proper credit for TEA compliance purposes. Please do not use your personal email or a gmail/yahoo address.

TEXAS HIGHER EDUCATION USERS: If you are taking this course to prepare for a K-12 profession or school counselor, or licensed clinical occupations ( i.e., you are in a teacher training or school counselor program, MSW, LPC), please indicate in the appropriate fields.

Thank you to the sponsors who have made this course possible

Course Designed by

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AS+K? Basic Gatekeeper Training | Texas Suicide Prevention

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Welcome to the new AS+K? Basic Course. This course updates the original ASK? course is approximately 1 hour in length. It is followed by a 10 question quiz. This course is suited for persons who require suicide prevention gatekeeper skills for their communities and employers.

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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

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Skip to content

Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention is a community-based presentation that covers the general scope of suicide, the research on prevention, and what people can do to fight suicide.

On this page

Sign up for email alerts

Receive updates from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Subscribe

About Talk Saves Lives

Talk Saves Lives is available in English and Spanish. Contact your local chapter or view below for information about events in your area.
Talk Saves Lives is AFSP's standardized, 45-60 minute education program that provides participants with a clear understanding of this leading cause of death, including the most up-to-date research on suicide prevention, and what they can do in their communities to save lives.

Participants will learn common risk factors and warning signs associated with suicide, and how to keep themselves and others safe. The standard Talk Saves Lives presentation is also available in Spanish.

Topics covered include:

Scope of the Problem: The latest data on suicide in the U.S. and worldwide

Research: Information from research on what causes people to consider suicide, as well as health, historical, and environmental factors that put individuals at risk

Prevention: An understanding of the protective factors that lower suicide risk, and strategies for managing mental health and being proactive about self-care

What You Can Do: Guidance on warning signs and behaviors to look for, and how to get help for someone in a suicidal crisis

For additional information about some of the topics covered in Talk Saves Lives, please visit Risk factors, protective factors, and warning signs and What to do when someone is at risk.
In addition to the standard presentation, three specialized Talk Saves Lives modules are available that provide similar information, while focusing on specific at-risk communities:

Talk Saves Lives - Latinx & Hispanic Communities

Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention for the Latinx and Hispanic Communities (available in English and Spanish) is a community education presentation that addresses mental health, suicide, and its impact in the Latinx and Hispanic communities in the United States. This module of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Talk Saves Lives program focuses on:

Protective factors, risk factors and warning signs specific to Latinx and Hispanic communities

Racial and systemic factors that contribute to barriers in seeking help and suicide risk in Latinx and Hispanic communities

How participants can take care of their communities and speak with family and friends about suicide and mental health

Steps to take to seek culture-specific mental health resources in Spanish and English

Participants will receive helpful education in mental health and suicide prevention through activity-based learning, and take-home materials to use if needed in the future. The goal of this new program is to create conversations in Latinx and Hispanic communities around mental health and encourage help-seeking to prevent suicide and suicide attempts.

Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention for the Latinx and Hispanic Communities was created in collaboration with the National Latino Behavioral Health Association (NLBHA) and experts at AFSP. This partnership is the first of its kind at AFSP and in its effort to provide education on culture-specific factors of suicide and expand suicide prevention programming to diverse communities.

Talk Saves Lives - Seniors

The Seniors module provides information on risk factors and warning signs in elderly populations and how their loved ones can best connect those who are struggling with help. This presentation is also available in Spanish.

Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention in the LGBTQ Community

AFSP's Talk Saves Lives™ has long been one of the country's leading suicide prevention education programs, covering the general scope of suicide, the research on prevention, and what people can do to fight this leading cause of death. The newly updated module of this essential program, Talk Saves Lives™: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention in the LGBTQ Community gives participants essential and lifesaving understanding of topics including:

Suicide risk and its unique considerations in LGBTQ communities

Recognizing suicide risk factors and warning signs for LGBTQ people

Protective factors that can help lower the suicide rate

The latest research related to LGBTQ suicide prevention

How to seek and offer support for yourself or others

Crisis resources and services for the LGBTQ community

What communities can do to support LGBTQ people

We all have a role to play in preventing suicide, and those in the LGBTQ community may face additional challenges and barriers to help because of discriminatory factors. This new program informs more people of the best ways to provide caring and support to those who need it.

Talk Saves Lives - Suicide Prevention Education for Workplace Settings

Talk Saves Lives™: Suicide Prevention Education for Workplace Settings is a 60-minute education presentation designed to be delivered in workplace settings, to organizational leadership, managers/supervisors, and employees. This presentation provides participants with the scope of the problem of suicide, key research findings, including risk factors and warning signs for suicide, along with recommendations for the role we can all play in suicide prevention.

Topics covered include:

Scope of the Problem: The latest data on suicide in the U.S. and worldwide

Research: Information from the latest suicide prevention research

Risk Factors and Warning Signs: Information on health, historical, and environmental factors that put individuals at risk for suicide along with suicide warning signs

Prevention: An understanding of the protective factors that lower suicide risk, and strategies for managing mental health and being proactive about self-care

What You Can Do: Guidance on how to get help for yourself or someone else in a suicidal crisis

Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention in the Correctional Environment

Incarcerated individuals are particularly vulnerable to suicide, for a variety of complex reasons. Talk Saves Lives™: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention in the Correctional Environment provides corrections staff with information about what can be done to create a safer environment for people in custody, as well as providing a better understanding of resources available to help them take care of their own mental health.

This presentation covers suicide prevention information that is applicable to corrections staff working with people who are incarcerated, as well as their role as co-workers in an industry that has high rates of suicide compared to U.S averages. Following the presentation, participants will be be able to:

Describe the scope of the problem of suicide in general and in the correctional environment

Explain key research findings

Recognize suicide risk factors and warning signs

Demonstrate how to seek and offer support for themselves and others

Explain how to access crisis services for themselves and others

Upcoming Talk Saves Lives events

Have you attended a Talk Saves Lives presentation?

If you've attended a Talk Saves Lives program, we're excited to hear your feedback. Please choose the link below that best describes your experience with Talk Saves Lives Your feedback helps make our programs better.

Local chapters near 20149

Sign up for email alerts

Receive updates from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Subscribe
© 2022 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. All rights reserved.

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Skip to content Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention is a community-based presentation that covers the general scope of suicide, the research on prevention, and what people can do to fight suicide. Receive updates from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Subscribe Talk Saves Lives is available in English and Spanish.

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Just Ask. You Can Save a Life.

The Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), the most evidence-supported tool of its kind, is a simple series of questions that anyone can use anywhere in the world to prevent suicide.

Get the Questions

Effective For Everyone

The C-SSRS can be used by anyone, anywhere. The Columbia Lighthouse Project provides the scale in more than 100 country-specific languages for use by:

"The advent of the C-SSRS and its dissemination could be seen as really a watershed moment, like the introduction of antibiotics. [The C-SSRS] has played a comparable role when it comes to mental illness and perhaps its most tragic consequence, suicide."

Former President, American Psychiatric Association

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN CRISIS, CALL 988

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The Lighthouse Project The Columbia Lighthouse Project

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The Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), the most evidence-supported tool of its kind, is a simple series of questions that anyone can use anywhere in the world to prevent suicide. Get the Questions The C-SSRS can be used by anyone, anywhere.

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ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT SOMEONE OR NEED CONSULTATION? *WHAT TO DO*

If you or someone you know is suffering and you want to know how to help, call a Suicide Prevention hotline for 24/7 assistance:

1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)

1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Or text the Crisis Text Line:

If you are concerned about an NSU student, call the Henderson Student Counseling 24/7 hotline:

If you are concerned about an NSU employee, call the MHNet hotline:
It Takes a University to Create a Living Safety Net! How to get involved

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ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT SOMEONE OR NEED CONSULTATION? *WHAT TO DO* If you or someone you know is suffering and you want to know how to help, call a Suicide Prevention hotline for 24/7 assistance: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Or text the Crisis Text Line: If you are concerned about an NSU student, call the Henderson Student Counseling 24/7 hotline: If you are concerned about an NSU employee, call the MHNet hotline: It Takes a University to Create a Living Safety Net!

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You have taken an enormous step to help fight the problem of youth suicide by simply visiting our website. Thank you for your desire and efforts in keeping more than dreams alive, one young person at a time.

There are many things you can do to get involved with not only The Jason Foundation, but youth suicide prevention & awareness efforts as a whole. Obviously, the first thing you need to do if you haven't already is educate yourself on the problem and how to recognize and assist at-risk youth. Read more

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Take the B1 Pledge. Rascal Flatts and The Jason Foundation have teamed up to help prevent youth suicide. Pledge Now!

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SAMHSA: Preventing Suicide - A toolkit for high schools

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SAMHSA: Preventing Suicide - A toolkit for high schools

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Young Child Suicide Screener Revamp_6-2-22

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Preventing Teen Suicide _Infographic Flyer

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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

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The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is the nation's largest non-profit dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide.

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SAVE: Suicide Awareness Voices of Education

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SAVE: Suicide Awareness Voices of Education

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SAVE: Suicide Prevention, Information, and Awareness

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Learn about suicide prevention through Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE), a nonprofit resource for those affected by suicide.

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We share our stories to change young lives. At Minding Your Mind, we create experiences that open minds and show people they are not alone when they are

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Onscreen representations of Native communities can help prompt healing conversations about suicide and mental health, writes SPRC Program Manager Shelby Rowe.

SPRC has compiled a selection of web pages and information sheets on mental health and coping with the effects of COVID-19.

This document seeks to advance progress toward full implementation of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.

Stay Connected!

The Weekly Spark

Suicide prevention

takes place in many settings

Suicide prevention

takes place in many settings

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Onscreen representations of Native communities can help prompt healing conversations about suicide and mental health, writes SPRC Program Manager Shelby Rowe. SPRC has compiled a selection of web pages and information sheets on mental health and coping with the effects of COVID-19. This document seeks to advance progress toward full implementation of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.

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A suicide prevention site for suicidal individuals and their friends and family, suicide attempt survivors, suicide loss survivors, mental health professionals, & the merely curious

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Our school uses SOS Signs of Suicide, a suicide prevention program that educates students about the relationship between suicide and depression. We encourage all students to seek help from trusted adults whether they have concerns about themselves or a friend using the ACT® message.

Key Message of SOS: ACT

Acknowledge that you are seeing signs of depression or suicide in yourself or a friend and that it is serious.

Let you friend know how much you Care about them and that you are concerned that they need help.

Tell a trusted adult that you are worried about yourself or a friend.

SOS Program Research

SOS is used in thousands of schools around the country and is the only youth suicide prevention program that has demonstrated an improvement in students' knowledge and adaptive attitudes about suicide risk and depression, as well as a reduction in actual suicide attempts. The SOS Program has shown a reduction in self-reported suicide attempts by 40-64% in randomized control studies ( Aseltine et al., 2007 & Schilling et al., 2016).

It is safe to talk about suicide.

If someone is thinking about suicide, you can't make it worse by talking about it.

The opposite is true. Bringing up the subject of suicide and discussing it openly is one of the most helpful things you can do.

On the Day of the Program

1. Students watch an educational video and participate in guided discussion about depression, suicide, and what to do if they are worried about a friend.

2. Students complete a depression screening that indicates whether they have symptoms that may be consistent with depression (learn more about depression screening).

3. Students complete a response slip noting whether they would like to speak to an adult following the presentation.

4. School staff follow up with students as needed and notify parents of any follow-up conversation with their child.

5. Some students may benefit from further assessment from a mental health professional. School staff provide families with resources and referral information.

Contact your school with any questions about SOS.

To learn more about youth suicide, click on any of the sections below. If you need help or are concerned about a loved one, confidential resources are available 24/7.

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Signs of Suicide Program | Signs of Suicide - MindWise

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Our school uses SOS Signs of Suicide, a suicide prevention program that educates students about the relationship between suicide and depression. We encourage all students to seek help from trusted adults whether they have concerns about themselves or a friend using the ACT ® message.

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Your gift helps provide mental health support to teens and young adults. Donate now through 11/28 and your gift will be matched, having 2x the impact.

JED's Mental Health Resource Center helps you manage your emotional health, cope with challenges, and support the people in your life.

Together, we're changing and saving lives.

The Jed Foundation (JED) is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation's teens and young adults, giving them the skills and support they need to thrive today...and tomorrow.

Equipping Individuals

Research shows that building resiliency and life skills, promoting social connectedness, and encouraging help-seeking and help-giving behaviors in teens and young adults supports their overall well-being, helps them thrive, and protects their emotional health, making it less likely they will fall into unhealthy behaviors. JED uses digital campaigns, the media, and partnerships to engage teens and young adults where they are and in a way they'll understand.

Explore JED's programs that reach millions of young people every year.

Strengthening Schools

For students, their school community is a critical part of their support network and emotional safety net. JED works directly with high schools, colleges, and universities representing millions of students to put systems, programs, and policies in place to create a culture of caring that protects student mental health, builds life skills, and makes it more likely students will seek help and struggling students will be recognized, connected to mental health care, and supported.

Learn more about JED's programs for high schools and colleges.

Mobilizing Communities

Our mental health is impacted by the world around us. There are a range of factors that can influence the perspective, well-being, and behaviors of our teens and young adults including families, friends, media, and high-profile voices. JED partners with these communities to create a culture of caring, grounded in deeper understanding and reduced shame and secrecy, and to collaborate on amplifying their positive impact while minimizing potential harm.

Find out how JED is activating communities across the country and beyond.

Megan Thee Stallion Gets Real in New Seize the Awkward PSA "Check In On Your Friends"

Megan talks pressures to be strong, peer-to-peer support, & reminds fans "It's okay to not be okay.

JED's office will be closed this wk so our team can recharge their batteries & enjoy time w/ family & friends. You'll continue to see some activity on our page but our team will be offline.

#TakingABreak #MentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #JEDCares

Want to get updates? Sign up for our newsletter.

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The Jed Foundation is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation's teens and young adults, giving them the skills and support they need to thrive today...and tomorrow.

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Skip to main content

We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

988

¡Los servicios de texto y chat de 988 Lifeline ya están disponibles en español!
Haga clic aquí para obtener información sobre cómo acceder a todos los servicios en español.

Conocer más

Stock photo by iStock.

The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. We're committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness.

About The Lifeline

Anyone could be struggling with suicide. Find more specific resources below.

I'm Struggling With Individuals with Neurodivergence

We understand that every struggle is different. Experience the stories of people like you, and how they overcame crisis to find hope and recovery.
read stories of hope & recovery

First, you'll hear an automated message featuring additional options while your call is routed to your local 988 Lifeline network crisis center.

We'll play you a little music while we connect you to a skilled, trained crisis worker.

A trained crisis worker at your local center will answer the phone.

This person will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and get you the help you need.

988 Lifeline Center calls are free and confidential, and we're available 24/7.

Show What Happens When You Call The Lifeline

Everyone Plays A Role In Suicide Prevention

Get in touch

Call the Lifeline

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Skip to main content We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. 988 ¡Los servicios de texto y chat de 988 Lifeline ya están disponibles en español!

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The impact of suicide is far-reaching and affects entire communities. When cities, mental health organizations, and schools work together for youth suicide prevention , the entire community is strengthened. We speak a common language-we are educated to understand warning signs and recognize who is at risk. We gain common understanding-we know how to intervene and what to do. We have common knowledge-we know how to access resources and where to go for help. Working together, there is HOPE that suicide can be prevented.

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Hope Squad is good news for schools and other groups and organizations who want to reduce suicide and teach suicide prevention awareness and mental health awareness. It is a peer-to-peer, peer support, curriculum and evidence-based program. Hope Squad is committed to stop the stigma of mental illness, mental health issues and talking about suicide.

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PDF version of this page

Author: Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC)

Publisher: Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC)

Reducing access to lethal means, such as firearms and medication, can determine whether a person at risk for suicide lives or dies. This free online course focuses on how to reduce access to the methods people use to kill themselves. It covers how to: (1) identify people who could benefit from lethal means counseling, (2) ask about their access to lethal methods, and (3) work with them-and their families-to reduce access.

While this course is primarily designed for mental health professionals, others who work with people at risk for suicide, like social service professionals and health care providers, may also benefit from taking it.

Handouts for this course include the following:
The Basics of Firearms What Clients and Families Need to Know Clients Who Need Lethal Means Counseling Firearms Laws Relevant to Lethal Means Counseling What Clinicians Can Do

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CALM: Counseling on Access to Lethal Means

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PDF version of this page Author: Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) Publisher: Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC) Reducing access to lethal means, such as firearms and medication, can determine whether a person at risk for suicide lives or dies. This free online course focuses on how to reduce access to the methods people use to kill themselves.

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Suicide, Guns, and Public Health

Most efforts to prevent suicide focus on people take their lives. But as we understand more about attempts suicide and and and , it becomes increasingly clear that a person attempts-the means they use-plays a key role in whether they live or die.

"Means reduction" (reducing a suicidal person's access to highly lethal means) is an important part of a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention. It is based on the following understandings (click on each to learn more):

Firearm access can be a politically-charged topic. We welcome both gun owners and non-gun owners to this website. It is designed to introduce a non-controversial, "lethal means counseling" approach to reducing a suicidal person's access to firearms and other lethal means.

Families and friends who are concerned about someone can also help. Read more about ways to bring up storing guns off-site.

Clinicians concerned about a patient should also consider addressing firearm safety with the patient, or with their family.

Our Mission

The mission of the Means Matter Campaign is to increase the proportion of suicide prevention groups who promote activities that reduce a suicidal person's access to lethal means of suicide and who develop active partnerships with gun owner groups to prevent suicide.

Who We Are

The Harvard Injury Control Research Center is dedicated to reducing injury through training, research,intervention, evaluation, and dissemination. The Center has published hundreds of studies on injury topics ranging from motor vehicle crashes to alcohol use to youth violence and suicide. The Center is part of the Harvard School of Public Health.

The Means Matter Campaign is funded by The Joyce Foundation and the David Bohnett Foundation.

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Our mission is to increase the proportion of suicide prevention groups who promote activities that reduce a suicidal person's access to lethal means

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Do you remember the story about the long train that couldn't make it up the hill to deliver toys to the children of the small village? Each engine that it asked for help refused for one reason or another. Only the small blue engine was willing to try, though the other engines thought surely it would fail. As it slowly dragged the long train up the hill, it repeated: "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can," until this happened...

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Riding the Waves > Schools > Crisis Connections

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Do you remember the story about the long train that couldn't make it up the hill to deliver toys to the children of the small village? Each engine that it asked for help refused for one reason or another. Only the small blue engine was willing to try, though the other engines thought surely it would fail.

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OUR VISION IS TOEMPOWER A WELL WORLD Who We Are A best practice youth mental health promotion and suicide prevention program designed to harness the power of peer social networks to create healthy norms and culture, ultimately preventing suicide, violence, bullying, and substance misuse. The mission of Sources of Strength is to prevent adverse outcomes ...