What We Can Do - Together

First: do NOT say "think of your family." Often, someone thinking of suicide considers it a gift to their family - relieving of a burden that they feel they are.

Second: ask "are you ok?" or "how are you doing today?"   By showing you care, you can change things.  Remember to say: it's okay not to feel okay.

Third: ask questions, avoid speeches, but most of all listen (be present).

Fourth: ask if the individual has a plan of action (on how they plan to commit suicide). If yes, definitely get help ASAP.  This is not to say someone without a plan is not a danger to themselves either.  Ask if you can assist them in getting help.  Check our resources.

Fifth, remember that suicidal individuals may also be a threat to others as well. You must act!

Simply, the 988 call/text number is a dedicated suicide prevention (and mental health help) hotline, while 911 is the general emergency number for all types of urgent situations require a response by the fire department, emergency medical technicians, and/or police. 

988 is anonymous, and not just for suicide.   Call it for any mental health crisis. 

988 will route you to a trained counselor, while 911 will alert fire, EMT, and/or police. 

Call 988 if there is a threat of suicide or even if you are anxious, depressed, compulsively pacing,  abusive to yourself or others, or experiencing a mental health crises (and it does NOT need to be an emergency). 

Calling 911 for most mental health issues is - as one police officer noted - like using a sledge hammer to put in a tac. Hence, most mental health issues should not require any police involvement. However, if a person is brandishing a weapon or indicating a plan to harm others, then the police should be called. Of course, if possible and without confrontation, remove access to any weapon by this person. 

Some people will plan suicide by calling and charging at the police.  

• If you see a fire, explosion, major vehicle crash
• If someone threatens bodily harm or discloses a plan to hurt others
• If you smell gas - leave are immediately but if existing a building, try to prop the door wide open for air circulation and gas dissolution
• if someone has a severe medical event e.g. chest pain, unconscious, or physical trauma
• When someone is having a severe allergic reaction - difficulty breathing, swelling
• If someone shows signs of a stroke, such as, face drooping, arm weakness or tingling, slurred or halted speech 
• You believe a crime is occurring or you witness suspicious activity, like a stranger looking into windows of parked cars and/or of homes
• You observe reckless, aggressive, or erratic driving 

If you are not sure wehther to call 911 or 988, call 911 and let the call-taker make the decision

Be prepared to provide the following:

• The location of the emergency, including the street address
• The phone number you are calling from
• What is the emergency
• Details about the people involved in the emergency
• Wait for emergency personnel to arrive

One in five adults (and children ages 13 and up) experience some form of mental health illness at some point during a year - National Institute of Mental Health

Mental health challenges visit our family members, our friends, and our colleagues.  If you don't know of anyone, it may be that those suffering have withdrawn, their behavior is mischaracterized or misunderstood, or maybe we need to pay more attention.

While it is good to listen, be supportive, and show you care, the treatment of mental health challenges should involve professionals skilled with tools and training to heal and help people regain their strength and empowerment.