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– Get Help Now –

You are not alone. Help is available 24/7.
Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

For immediate emotional support:
Call or text 988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

For someone who is struggling but not in immediate danger:
Talk with someone you trust or contact a mental health professional.

 

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Start the Conversation

Suicide can be a difficult and sensitive topic—one that many people are reluctant to discuss. But we all encounter people who may be struggling with overwhelming stress, hopelessness, or emotional pain. Sometimes, we may experience these feelings ourselves.

Suicide prevention begins with connection.

Family members, friends, educators, coworkers, and others in our communities can provide critical—even lifesaving—support by learning to recognize suicide warning signs, listening without judgment, and helping someone connect with appropriate resources.

You don’t have to have all the answers. Sometimes, simply starting the conversation can make a difference.

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Know the Warning Signs of Suicide

Warning signs can look different from person to person. Some signs to watch for include:

• Talking about wanting to die or feeling hopeless
• Withdrawing from family, friends, or activities
• Significant mood swings, rage, or increasing agitation
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Giving away possessions or saying goodbye
• Major changes in sleep or appetite
• Sudden calmness following a period of deep distress

One warning sign doesn’t necessarily mean someone is suicidal. However, concerning changes should not be ignored. Reach out and ask how the person is doing.

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Understanding Suicide Risk Factors

Several factors may increase a person’s risk for suicide, including:

• A history of mental health conditions
• Previous suicide attempts
• Substance use issues
• A family history of suicide
• Chronic pain or serious illness
• Access to firearms or medications
• Bullying, social isolation, or a recent loss

Risk factors do not mean someone will attempt suicide. They can, however, help us recognize when someone may need additional support.

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How to Help Someone Who May Be Suicidal

You don’t have to be a mental health professional to offer support.

Listen Without Judgment

Give the person an opportunity to talk about what they’re experiencing. Try to listen without criticism, judgment, or immediately trying to solve the problem.

Ask Directly About Suicide

If you’re concerned about someone, it’s okay to ask:

“Are you thinking about suicide?”

Talking openly and compassionately about suicide can help reduce stigma and encourage someone to seek support.

Connect Them With Help

Offer to call or text 988 together, or help the person connect with a mental health professional or another trusted source of support.

Follow Up

Don’t assume that one conversation is enough. Continue checking in and letting the person know that you’re there for them.

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If You Are Struggling

If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts or feeling overwhelmed, you don’t have to face it alone.

• Reach out to someone you trust.
• Call or text 988.
• Create a safety plan with trusted contacts.
• Limit access to potentially lethal means.
• Stay connected with supportive people.

Reaching out can be lifesaving.

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Suicide Prevention for Parents

Parents can play an important role in suicide prevention.

• Talk about emotions early and often.
• Remember that asking about suicide does not increase the risk of suicide.
• Watch for isolation, hopelessness, or talk about death.
• Make conversations about emotions a normal part of family life.
• Partner with schools, pediatricians, and other trusted professionals when concerns arise.

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Suicide Prevention in Schools

Teachers and school staff can be important sources of support for young people.

• Create classrooms where students can talk about mental health without stigma.
• Refer concerning behavior immediately.
• Consider suicide-prevention training such as QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) or Youth Mental Health First Aid.

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What Should I Say to Someone in Crisis?

You don’t need to have the perfect words.

You can say:

“I’m really sorry you’re feeling this way. You’re not alone. Let’s find help together right now.”

The most important thing is to listen, stay present, and help connect the person with appropriate support.

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Talking Safely About Suicide

The words we use can either reinforce stigma or support healing.

Use:

• “Died by suicide”
• “Having suicidal thoughts”
• “In crisis”

Avoid:

• “Committed suicide”
• “Successful attempt”
• “Unsuccessful attempt”

Using compassionate, person-first language can help create a safer environment for people to talk about suicide and seek help.

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Suicide Prevention Myths and Facts

Myth: Talking about suicide gives someone the idea.

Fact: Open, compassionate conversations about suicide can reduce risk and help people feel less alone.

Myth: People who talk about suicide won’t actually do it.

Fact: People who die by suicide may show warning signs beforehand. Take talk about suicide seriously.

Myth: Only people with mental illness consider suicide.

Fact: Many factors can contribute to suicidal thoughts, including stress, trauma, loss, and other difficult life circumstances.

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Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Resources

 

Southern Indiana Mental Health Services

Southern Indiana Community Health Care (SICHC) provides mental health services in communities throughout Southern Indiana.

If you or someone you know needs mental health support, contact your nearest SICHC location to learn more about available services.

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Take Care of Yourself, Too

Supporting someone in crisis can be emotionally difficult. Remember to care for yourself while caring for others.

Consider:

• Maintaining healthy sleep routines
• Staying active through walking, stretching, or other simple movement
• Connecting with supportive people
• Trying mindfulness or grounding exercises
• Taking breaks and setting healthy boundaries
• Seeking supervision, peer support, or other assistance when needed

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Hope. Help. Healing.

Suicide prevention isn’t just about knowing the warning signs.
It’s about creating communities where people feel comfortable saying “I’m not okay”—and where the people around them feel comfortable asking “Are you okay?”

Start the conversation. Listen without judgment. Connect to help.

Suicide prevention begins with you.

The warning signs, risk factors, audience-specific prevention tips, crisis numbers, and SICHC locations above are based on our “Start the Conversation” brochure.  Pick one up in any SICHC office lobby.

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Why Suicide Prevention Matters and A Little About Me – Shelby Fleetwood, LCSW, CSAYC