Every suicide is a tragedy, and to some degree a mystery.
How can I talk to someone who is suicidal?
There are many myths about suicide. One is the mistaken belief that talking about it to a person in danger encourages the act. If a loved one expresses thoughts or plans of suicide, it’s essential to initiate a conversation. It is wise to approach the discussion by identifying concrete resources such as a therapist or suicide prevention hotline, and to conclude the conversation with a stated commitment to follow up with the person over time.
Be direct with the person by asking the following questions:
To learn more, see How to Talk About Suicidal Thoughts.
Where can someone who is thinking about suicide get help?
Anyone who is experiencing persistent suicidal thoughts or behaviors should seek help as soon as possible. In the midst of a crisis, the best resources are usually suicide hotlines—staffed by people who are trained to both talk someone through an immediate crisis and to connect them with additional help in their area—crisis centers, or local authorities. Beyond that, seeking the help of a trained mental health professional is the best way to ward off future crises and sustain well-being over time.
For more, see Seeking Help for Suicidal Thoughts. To find resources in your area, see Suicide Hotlines and Prevention Resources.
Are children at risk of suicide?
The overall risk that a child will hurt him- or herself is small. But it is certainly possible for a child or teen to experience suicidal thoughts or, sadly, to die by suicide. While the risk tends to be highest during the teen years, children as young as 5 have been known to think about or die by suicide. Parents can help by learning to recognize common warning signs of suicidality (like sudden changes in mood, frequent talk about "going away" or dying, or risky, impulsive behavior), seeking mental healthcare for children who may be at risk, and fostering an environment where children feel safe talking about their emotions and their challenges.
For more, see Children, Teens, and Suicide Risk.
How can I cope after losing someone to suicide?
Losing a loved one to suicide triggers deep, complicated grief . In addition to the pain of the loss itself, individuals who survive a loved one's suicide often grapple with confusing feelings of shame , anger , guilt , despair, or relief; in some cases, learning about or discovering the death may be traumatizing.
While it's tempting to isolate yourself and shoulder your grief alone, seeking help from others—whether your own family and friends, a trained mental health professional , and/or a support group —is often the surest path toward healing. Though the pain of the loss will likely never go away, many suicide survivors find that, with time, they come to recognize that their loved one's death was not their fault and are able to find meaning and purpose in life again.
For more, see Coping After Suicide Loss or Losing a Spouse, Parent, Child, or Sibling to Suicide.
Explore More About Understanding Suicide
For a comprehensive understanding of understanding suicide, read our complete guide: