Suicide is when a person intentionally ends their own life. It’s a complex issue influenced by mental health conditions (like depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD), substance use, stressful life events, chronic pain or illness, social isolation, and access to lethal means.
Warning signs
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself
- Seeking means (weapons, pills) or talking about methods
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Withdrawing from friends, family, activities
- Severe mood changes, hopelessness, or feeling trapped
- Giving away possessions, saying goodbye
How to help someone
- Take it seriously: Never dismiss threats as attention-seeking.
- Ask directly: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” — asking won’t increase risk.
- Listen without judgment: Let them talk, validate feelings, avoid minimizing.
- Ensure safety: Remove or limit access to lethal means if possible.
- Get professional help: Encourage contacting a mental health professional or their doctor.
- Don’t leave them alone if there’s immediate danger; seek emergency help.
If you or someone is in immediate danger, call local emergency services now. If you are in the United States, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If elsewhere, contact local emergency numbers or a crisis line in your country. If you want, tell me your country and I can provide local crisis numbers.
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