It's crucial to recognize the warning signs of suicide, which may include:

• Persistent feelings of depression, hopelessness, or helplessness.
• Exhibiting anger, impulsivity, or changes in behavior.
• Withdrawal from social interactions and changes in appearance or personality.
• Expressing thoughts of death or suicide.
• Substance abuse or drastic declines in academic or work performance.

What To Do

If someone you know is exhibiting any of the warning signs for suicide, follow the below tips from the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network to provide assistance:

• ASK the question, “Do you feel like going to sleep and never waking up,” or find someone who can. Take the risk factors and signals seriously.
• LISTEN to them without judgement. Show interest in the person and be supportive of them.
• Offer hope that there are alternatives.
• Take/remove methods the person might use to kill themselves. Do not leave the person alone.
• GET HELP from their family, friend, physician, or clergy.
• IMMEDIATELY contact a person or organization for help that specializes in crisis intervention or suicide prevention.

Find additional resources on our Community Resources page.

Dispelling Myths

Visit reputable websites such as suicide.org, jedfoundation.org, or halfofus.com for accurate information about suicide prevention.