Talking about suicide can play an important role in helping prevent it. Pero es fundamental saber qué decir.
We can all help prevent suicide, says .. This national network of local crisis centers wants everyone to know that suicide is not inevitable for anyone.
Many more people attempt suicide than die from it. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) says that supports the idea that many who try suicide want their pain to end, not their life.
To help someone who is thinking about suicide, the key message has three parts: .
So how can you help?
Recognizing Who’s at Risk
Most people thinking about suicide give some sign of their intentions. Learning the warning signs is essential to recognizing people who may be at risk.
Some of the major warning signs are:
- Talking about suicide or death
- Looking for ways to kill oneself
- Feelings of anger and despair
- Big shifts in mood, eating or sleep patterns
Otros factores de riesgo incluyen:
- Earlier suicide attempts or self-harm, such as cutting (but not everyone who self-harms is suicidal)
- History of suicide in family
- Abuso de sustancias
- Mood problems like depression and bipolar disorder
- Facing bullying, trauma or abuse
- Long-term sickness or pain
- Soledad
- Access to unsecured prescription medicines or guns
Helping in Times of Crisis
Speak Up
Many people think that mentioning suicide to someone who may be at risk may be planting the idea of suicide. Pero eso no es cierto. Openly expressing your concerns is an important way to help. It shows you care and want to understand.
Don't be afraid to ask, "Are you having thoughts of suicide?" If the answer is yes, stay with them. Text or call 988, the three-digit dialing code connecting people to the . Care for is also available at 988.
Learn What to Say to Help
To help someone who is struggling, learn ways you can talk to them openly and with empathy, says the .
Ask if they'd like to talk, and really listen without judging. Ask what would help them right then, without giving possible solutions. The key is to be there and then follow up, which often means helping them reach out to mental health care providers. Encourage them to keep visits with those doctors and to continue with medicines or other treatments.
Friends and family can also take steps to make a safe place for someone who is at risk and , says the American Psychological Association.
Long-Term Support
Build Social Ties
Being closely linked to family and community support may decrease someone’s suicidal thoughts and actions, says the . Everyone can help support others. Build family resiliency by:
- Helping children learn coping and problem-solving skills
- Supporting programs that teach social skills
- Boosting ties to friends, family and community
- Working on communication skills to improve relationships
Encourage Mental Health Care
Getting mental health care saves lives. If you know someone who is struggling, encourage them to reach out to their doctor for care. You could even show support by helping them schedule and get to that visit.
Hable del tema
Talking about suicide is also a step toward decreasing the stigma tied to it. Stigma leads to silence, which does not help those touched by the loss. It can leave people feeling alone when facing the tragedy.
When someone dies by suicide, there is a chance to talk about suicide as a , says NAMI.
Take Action
Remember, if you or a loved one is having thoughts of harming themselves now, get help right away. You can call or text 988 or visit .
Fuentes: , National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 2016; , U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2026; , Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades, 2026; , American Psychological Association; , National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2021; , NAMI, 2018; , U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA); , SAMHSA, 2022; , American Psychological Association, 2024