Someone Is Suicidal Right Now: How to Help

When do I call 911 versus 988?

Call 911 if: - The person has made an attempt — taken pills, cut themselves, or otherwise caused harm to themselves - They have a specific plan, the means to carry it out, and appear to be about to act - They are unconscious or physically harmed - You or they are in immediate physical danger

Call or text 988 if: - They are expressing suicidal thoughts but have not acted - They are overwhelmed, hopeless, or in acute emotional pain - You are unsure what to do and need guidance from a trained crisis counselor right now

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 1Ref 1Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (2022).988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.988 as the primary crisis resource — free, confidential, 24/7 availability, served over 13 million calls, texts, and chats since July 2022 launch; available for supporters as well as those in crisis is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Since its launch in July 2022, the service has answered over 13 million calls, texts, and chats. Counselors are there for supporters — not only for the person in crisis. If you are frightened or overwhelmed, 988 is for you too.

What do I do while getting help?

Stay with the person if it is safe. Do not leave them alone.

Listen without judgment. You do not need to say the right thing or fix anything. Staying present communicates care more powerfully than words.

Ask directly. Asking about suicide does not plant the idea — research consistently supports this 2Ref 2National Institute of Mental Health (2025).Suicide Prevention.Warning signs of suicide, risk factors including prior attempt as a strong predictor; research supporting direct questioning about suicide; suicide as the eleventh leading cause of death in the US (49,300+ deaths in 2023). It opens a door. You can say: 'Are you thinking about suicide?' Asking shows you are taking it seriously.

Reduce access to means if you can do so safely. If firearms, medications, or other lethal means are accessible, quietly securing them significantly reduces risk. Access to lethal means is one of the strongest modifiable risk factors for a completed suicide attempt 2Ref 2National Institute of Mental Health (2025).Suicide Prevention.Warning signs of suicide, risk factors including prior attempt as a strong predictor; research supporting direct questioning about suicide; suicide as the eleventh leading cause of death in the US (49,300+ deaths in 2023). Do not put yourself in danger to do this.

Avoid dismissive phrases. Statements like 'You have so much to live for' can feel invalidating. Instead: 'I hear that you are in tremendous pain. I am here with you.'

Do not promise secrecy. Be honest: 'I care about you too much to promise that. I will do everything I can to support you, and I need to make sure you are safe.'

What are the strongest warning signs that risk is high?

Certain factors indicate higher immediate risk 2Ref 2National Institute of Mental Health (2025).Suicide Prevention.Warning signs of suicide, risk factors including prior attempt as a strong predictor; research supporting direct questioning about suicide; suicide as the eleventh leading cause of death in the US (49,300+ deaths in 2023):

• A specific plan — knowing when, where, and how
• Access to the means to carry out the plan, particularly firearms or stockpiled medications
• A prior suicide attempt — one of the strongest predictors of future risk
• Alcohol or substance intoxication — substances lower inhibition and increase impulsivity
• Recent loss or crisis — a relationship ending, job loss, legal trouble, or a serious diagnosis
• Saying goodbye in an unusual way, giving away valued possessions, or making statements like 'you won't have to worry about me much longer'

When these factors cluster together — especially a specific plan, means, and prior attempt — emergency services are the appropriate response.

What happens after the immediate crisis?

The period immediately after an acute crisis is one of the highest-risk times for a subsequent attempt. Follow-up care matters enormously.

Help the person connect with a mental health clinician as soon as possible after stabilization. The USPSTF recommends routine screening for depression and suicide risk in adults because these conditions are common and treatable 3Ref 3O'Connor E, Henninger M, Perdue LA, et al. (2023).Screening for Depression and Suicide Risk in Adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement.Population-level context for suicide risk screening and identification of high-risk individuals; systematic assessment improves detection of those needing intervention. If barriers exist — transportation, insurance, scheduling — help them navigate those barriers.

Your continued presence matters. Even brief check-in contacts in the days and weeks after a crisis are associated with better outcomes.

Take care of yourself too

Supporting someone through a suicidal crisis is intensely stressful. After the immediate situation is handled, reach out to your own support — a trusted person, a therapist, or 988 itself 1Ref 1Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (2022).988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.988 as the primary crisis resource — free, confidential, 24/7 availability, served over 13 million calls, texts, and chats since July 2022 launch; available for supporters as well as those in crisis, which is open to supporters as well as those in crisis. Your wellbeing matters, and sustained support is only possible if you are also cared for.