Various prevention strategies have been shown to be effective in reducing suicide. These include means restriction (including keeping guns locked up and storing medications in childproof containers), responsible media coverage, gatekeeper training, and public education including screening and talking therapies.
Protective factors like supportive relationships and a sense of belonging, effective coping and problem-solving skills and a reason for living can also help reduce suicide risk.
1. Know the Warning Signs
Suicidal thoughts are often impulsive and don’t necessarily reflect an intent to kill oneself, but they should always be taken seriously. Risk factors include mental health issues like depression or bipolar disorder, a family history of suicide or previous attempts, substance abuse, isolation and access to lethal means.
People who have experienced interpersonal trauma (like sexual assault, the death of a loved one or divorce) or major life changes can be especially vulnerable to suicide. Those who are LGBTQ+, chronically ill or have a parent who committed suicide also face additional challenges.
Warning signs can include giving away cherished belongings, sleeping too much or too little, withdrawing from others and expressing rage or desire for revenge. If someone you know shows these behaviors, ask them how they’re doing — but don’t put the idea in their head or make it worse. If their behavior is dangerous, call 911 or text 988 to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to speak with a trained counselor.
2. Be There for Your Loved Ones
As the saying goes, “a problem shared is a problem halved.” It’s important to listen and try not to judge your loved one. Remember that they haven’t committed a crime; they are struggling with mental health problems that are difficult to treat.
Help them to create a safety plan (or ask for help in doing so). Research shows that people at risk of suicide should work with a mental health professional to develop a plan, but friends and family members can also be part of this process.
It’s often helpful to teach your loved one coping skills that can help them when their emotions are intense. This may include things like pacing breathing (deep breaths with exhales that are longer than inhales) and mindfulness, which can calm the nervous system. They should also work with a mental health provider to see if medications can help with their depression or suicidal thoughts, and to learn how to better manage these emotions in the future.
3. Keep Yourself Safe
Someone dies from suicide every 11 minutes, but this is preventable. By learning the warning signs, promoting prevention and resilience, supporting those in crisis, and advocating for social change, we can stop suicide in its tracks.
Warning signs include talking about wanting to kill themselves, looking for ways to kill themselves or showing rage or anger. These behaviors are more likely when a person is in a mental health crisis and may be linked to a painful event or loss.
Asking if someone is thinking about killing themselves and listening without judgement can help them feel safe to talk. Removing or locking up lethal items (such as pills, ropes, knives, firearms) and reducing access to them can lower risk, especially when combined with treatment that includes support, therapy and medication. Also, remember that suicidal thoughts are often strongest for 15-30 minutes and can pass if distracted or prevented from acting on them. Keep a safety plan, reasons to live, coping skills and crisis resources handy.
4. Get Help
Research shows that people who are more connected to others and less isolated are at lower risk of suicide. Being there for someone is one of the best ways to help prevent suicide – especially when you can help them get the mental health treatment they need.
Getting help is also the best way to keep yourself safe, and it can be as simple as reaching out to 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by phone or text. Asking a loved one if they are having thoughts of suicide has been shown not to increase their risk or escalation of those thoughts, and talking about suicide in a nonjudgmental and factual way can decrease stigma and encourage people to seek help.
Learn more about safe postvention after a suicide death and download Media Guidelines for Talking About Suicide (PDF). Personalized safety planning is another method that has been shown to help reduce suicide risk, where patients work with a health care provider to limit access to lethal means, list coping strategies, and connect to community resources.