Action 1
Ask directly
If you are worried about someone, ask clearly: “Are you thinking about suicide?” Be calm, take the answer seriously, and do not promise secrecy.
Suicide prevention
Know what helps. Make a plan before you need it.
Prevention can begin with one direct question, one safer environment, one connection, and one plan for the next hard moment.
If you may act on suicidal thoughts now
Call or text 988 now.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7. If there is immediate physical danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
See specialized crisis resourcesWhat helps
Five actions grounded in prevention guidance.
These actions follow the National Institute of Mental Health’s five action steps and the CDC’s suicide-prevention guidance. They can reduce risk, but they do not guarantee safety or replace professional care.
Action 2
Be there and listen
Stay present. Listen without judgment, arguing, lecturing, or rushing to solve everything. Let the person know that what they told you matters.
Action 3
Help make the environment safer
Create time and distance from firearms, medications, or other things the person could use to harm themselves. Ask 988 or a qualified professional for help making a safer plan.
Action 4
Help them connect
Help make the first call and connect the person with 988, ongoing care, and trusted people who can be part of their support.
Action 5
Follow up
Check in again after the first conversation or crisis. A message, call, or visit can reinforce that the person matters and support continues.
Sources: NIMH: 5 Action Steps(opens in a new tab) and CDC Suicide Prevention Resource for Action(opens in a new tab).
The safety-planning intervention
Six steps for the next hard moment.
A safety plan is a personal, written sequence of actions prepared before or during a crisis. The steps below follow the Stanley-Brown Safety Planning Intervention.
- 1
Recognize warning signs
Name the thoughts, feelings, situations, or behaviors that tell you a crisis may be developing.
- 2
Use internal coping strategies
List things you can do on your own to create time and move through the next difficult moment.
- 3
Find people and places for distraction
Identify safe social settings and people you can be around without first having to explain everything.
- 4
Ask trusted people for help
Write down who you can tell directly that you are struggling, including current phone numbers.
- 5
Contact professionals and crisis services
Add your clinician, doctor, local crisis services, 988, and the nearest emergency department.
- 6
Make the environment safer
Plan how you or someone you trust will create distance from things you could use to harm yourself.
Free practical guides
Keep going with the question you have now.
What to Say When You Reach Out
Words you can use with 988, a trusted person, or a health professional.
Living With Chronic Suicidal Ideation
What to notice, what can help, and when to move quickly toward support.
How Can I Help Myself?
Practical steps for the next hour, this week, and ongoing care.
How to Find Help
A starting point for finding the right kind of professional support.
How to Make Connections
Small, realistic ways to build relationships and let people help.
Life After an Attempt: Action Plan
A longer guide for preparing for future periods of suicidal thinking.
Primary sources
- NIMH: 5 Action Steps for Helping Someone(opens in a new tab)
- CDC: Suicide Prevention(opens in a new tab)
- CDC: Suicide Prevention Resource for Action(opens in a new tab)
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline(opens in a new tab)
- Stanley-Brown Safety Planning Intervention(opens in a new tab)
Important: Beyond September is an awareness and education initiative. It is not a therapy, medical, crisis, diagnostic, or peer-support provider. This page and its downloads are general education, not individualized care or a substitute for a qualified professional.