Beyond September
Call or text 988

For attempt survivors

Life after an attempt.

If you've survived a suicide attempt — recently or years ago — what comes next can feel uncertain. People do move forward, and support helps. These are real, verified places to start. There is no wrong door.

If the thoughts come back

Call or text 988

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential, and available 24/7 — and you don't have to wait until things are bad to call. Counselors understand life after an attempt.

Call 988 nowText 988Chat online

Verified September 2026 against 988lifeline.org

Verified resources for survivors

988 Lifeline — Attempt Survivors

Guidance from the 988 Lifeline on healing after an attempt: self-care, talking to someone, connecting to resources, and making a safety plan.

Read the guide

Verified September 2026 against 988lifeline.org

Crisis Text Line

Free, confidential, 24/7 support by text — in English and Spanish — for anything you're carrying. Text HOME to 741741.

Text HOME to 741741

Verified September 2026 against crisistextline.org

Veterans Crisis Line

For Veterans, service members, and those who support them. Dial 988 then Press 1, or text 838255. Free, confidential, 24/7 — no VA enrollment needed.

Call 988, press 1Text 838255

Verified September 2026 against veteranscrisisline.net

The Trevor Project

For LGBTQ young people: trained counselors available 24/7 by phone, text, or chat. Confidential and free.

Get help 24/7

Verified September 2026 against thetrevorproject.org

Further reading

Recommended books

First-person and practical reading about surviving suicidal thoughts, asking for help, recognizing warning signs, and moving forward after an attempt.

Affiliate disclosure: These are Amazon affiliate links. Beyond September may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

Books are optional educational resources, not crisis care or medical advice. Listing a book does not mean Beyond September endorses every claim or recommendation it contains.

Downloads

Free guides, written for life after an attempt.

Practical, plain-language guides you can download, print, and keep. Educational only — not medical advice — and every one points back to 988 if things get dark.

How to Become Someone's FriendA short, shame-free guide to conversation, low-pressure invitations, reciprocity, and what to do when people keep saying no.Read onlineDownload PDF ↓
What to Do to Build ConnectionSmall everyday actions, local gatherings, shared activities, volunteering, and civic steps that can grow community over time.Read onlineDownload PDF ↓
How to Regulate Your Nervous SystemSix body-first practices — breathing, cold water, grounding — that calm a nervous system stuck on high alert.Read onlineDownload PDF ↓
How to Find Medication That WorksWhat to expect, what to track, and the questions to ask your prescriber while you find the right fit.Read onlineDownload PDF ↓
How to Journal Your Way BackSimple ways to start writing, prompts for hard days, and how to keep the practice safe.Read onlineDownload PDF ↓
How to Tell Your StoryThe safe-storytelling principles: lead with hope, skip the method, protect yourself while you share.Read onlineDownload PDF ↓
How to Get Involved in Your CommunityWays in, from smallest to biggest — volunteering, trainings, advocacy, and leading something yourself.Read onlineDownload PDF ↓
How to Make ConnectionsBuilding real connection slowly and on purpose — even when isolation feels safer.Read onlineDownload PDF ↓
How to Build an Action Plan So You Don't RelapseA seven-step written safety plan to make now, while you're clear, for the version of you who won't be.Read onlineDownload PDF ↓

For ongoing care and support options

Therapy, treatment, and longer-term support are their own search — and you can explore them at your own pace through FindSupportToday.com, our independent companion resource.

Beyond September is not a crisis, therapy, or medical service. Read the full disclaimer.