jconnors@couragethroughaction.com Are you at risk? Call 1-800-273-8255

Tools and Resources

Are you experiencing self-harm or suicidal thoughts?

Call: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255

New 3-Digit Number for Suicide Crisis Help

NEWS: WASHINGTON, December 12, 2019—The Federal Communications Commission today started the process of designating 988 as a new, nationwide, 3-digit number for a suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline. This designation will help ease access to crisis services, reduce the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health conditions, and ultimately save lives. Please continue to share 800-273- 8255 988 is NOT YET ACTIVE and will not connect callers to the Lifeline.

Suicide Prevention FAQ’s

Question: What is suicide?

Answer: It is the act of causing one’s own death, intentionally, not by accident.

Question: - Who is at risk of suicide?

Answer:   Anyone, period. Suicide does not discriminate.

Question: Will confronting a person about suicide only make them angry and increase the risk of suicide?

Answer: Asking someone directly about suicidal intent lowers anxiety, opens communication and the risk of an impulsive act.

Question: Do suicidal people keep their plans to themselves?

Answer: Most suicidal people communicate their intent sometime during the week preceding their attempt.

Question: Once a person decides to complete suicide, is there anything anyone can do to stop them?

Answer: Suicide is the most preventable kind of death, and almost any positive action can save a life.

Question: What do I do if someone close to me says they are going to commit suicide?

Answer: Often suicidal people will give warning signs, consciously or unconsciously, indicating they need help and often in the hope someone will help. It is common.

Question: What resources are available for people experiencing suicidal thoughts?

Answer:  There are numerous telephonic support avenues such as 1-800-273-TALK (8255), 1-800-Suicide (784-2433) and Vets for Warriors 1-855-838-8255. In addition, there may be in person resources at schools, colleges, and hospitals. Many employers offer EAP programs of support.

Question: What are risk factors that put youth at an increased risk level for suicidal ideation (thoughts of harming themselves).

Answer: Not all young people are outwardly obvious in concerning behaviors. People are risk are scholars, athletes, and popular students. None-the-less, here are the most common risk factors:

  • Noticeable changes in behavior that is out of character.
  • Talking about feeling worthless or hopeless.
  • Changes in behaviors, including lack of concentration
  • Decreasing grades and increasing absence
  • Isolating from peers and or school.
  • LGTBQ youth
  • Substance abuse
  • Bullying in school or on social media outlets

Question: What is suicide contagion?

Answer: Certain exposures to suicide behaviors may result in an increase in suicidal thoughts or attempts/behaviors.

Document Library

Are you at risk? There are resources available to help you.

1-800-273-TALK (8255)
1-800-Suicide (784-2433)
Vets for Warriors 1-855-838-8255

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