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Suicide Prevention: Help for Someone Else

When someone you know is experiencing a difficult time, it can be scary to know how to act and what to do.

You are not alone. Help is available for you and the person you are supporting.

Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for support from a trained counselor. 

This is a free service available 24/7. Your conversation is confidential, unless there is imminent danger for you or others.

Two young adults holding hands and talking at a table

Signs of concern

Many people who die by suicide show one or more of the behaviors listed below. The risk of suicide is greatest when the behaviors listed below are the result of a painful event, loss, or change.

  • Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
  • Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
  • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
  • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
  • Talking about being a burden to others
  • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
  • Acting anxious or agitated
  • Sleeping too little or too much
  • Withdrawing or isolating themselves
  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
  • Extreme mood swings

Five action steps

Here are five steps you can take to help someone experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Ask: Asking the question “Are you thinking about suicide?” communicates that you’re open to speaking about suicide in a non-judgmental and supportive way.

Be there: This could mean being physically present for someone, speaking with them on the phone when you can, or any other way that shows support for the person. Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and feeling.

Keep them safe: Reducing a person’s access to highly lethal items or places is an important part of suicide prevention. While this is not always easy, asking if the person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can make a difference.

Help them connect: An important part of being there for someone is helping them access professional and community resources and services. Ask how you can support them in getting help from a trusted individual like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.

Follow-up: After you’ve connected the person with the immediate support systems they need, make sure to follow-up with them to see how they’re doing.

Learn more on how and why the five action steps can prevent suicide.

Emergency response

Sometimes immediate action is needed when a person's life is in danger.

Call 911 if:

  • The person has a serious injury that needs immediate medical attention.
  • The person tells you they have just taken medication or another substance in an attempt to end their life.
  • The person is unresponsive.

Tips to support people of specific communities

The types of difficult moments people experience vary based on the environments in which they live, work, and play.

Select an option below for mental health tips from the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for communities with unique needs.

The Wisconsin Farm Center offers a variety of free services and supports for farmers, including counseling through the 24/7 Farmer Wellness Hotline at 888-901-2558 and vouchers for in-person counseling.

Last revised December 26, 2024