What It Is

​

Suicide is the intentional killing of oneself. There is no one cause of suicide; many stressors in someone’s daily life and/or mental illness or trauma can cause suicidal thoughts.

​

Warning Signs

​​

• talking about killing themselves

• trouble eating or sleeping

• drastic changes in behavior

• withdrawal from friends and social activities

• loss of interest in hobbies

• writes a will, makes final arrangements

• gives away prized possessions

• has attempted suicide in the past

• takes unecessary risks

• experienced recent loss

• preoccupation with death and/or dying

• loss of interest in personal appearance

• increased drug and/or alcohol use

​

Get Help

​

If you are someone you know is feeling suicidal, you NEED to tell someone. Talk to your doctor, or a trusted teacher or an adult. Even if you feel like you don’t deserve help, or you don’t need, you need to ask for it. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem, and your doctor can help you through your suicidal feelings. If someone you know is thinking about killing themselves, you need to get them help. They may be angry with you, but an angry friend is always better than a dead friend. Remember, suicide is NOT the solution. Ask for help.

​

Hotlines & Websites for Support

​

 

Adolescent Suicide Hotline: 800-621-4000

 

Adolescent Crisis Intervention & Counseline Nineline: 1-800-999-9999

 

Gay and Lesbian National Hotline: 1-888-THE-GLNH (1-888-843-4564)

 

Gay & Lesbian Trevor HelpLine Suicide Prevention: 1-800-850-8078

 

For help finding a therapist: 1-800-THERAPIST (1-800-843-7274)

 

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

 

Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK

 

Trevor Project Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-850-8078 *Note: this hotline specializes in gay and lesbian youth suicide prevention

 

Teen Helpline: 1-800-400-0900

 

Youth Crisis Hotline: 800-HIT-HOME

 

imalive.org – If you are in crisis or contemplating suicide, you can chat with a volunteer. It is free and confidential.

 

suicide.org – Provides information and support and hotlines to call if you are suicidal.

 

glbtnationalhelpcenter.org – An online chatroom for LGBT people. It’s completely confidential. It also has numbers to call for struggling LGBT individuals.

 

7cups.com – 7 Cups of Tea is a website with trained listeners that you can talk to.