Suicide Prevention

Help for Someone You Know

Learn how to recognize the warning signs when someone’s at risk—and what action steps you can take. Learn how to talk about mental health to help you speak to a loved one who you may think is experiencing any mental health concerns.

If you believe someone may be in danger of suicide:

• Call 911, if danger for self-harm seems imminent.
• Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to talk to a caring professional.
• Ask them if they are thinking about killing themselves. This will not put the idea into their head or make it more likely that they will attempt suicide.
• Listen without judging and show you care.
• Stay with the person or make sure the person is in a private, secure place with another caring person until you can get further help.
• Remove any objects that could be used in a suicide attempt.

Prevention Strategies and Approaches

Everyone has a role to play in preventing suicide. For instance:

• Faith communities can work to prevent suicide simply by helping people navigate the struggles of life to find a sustainable sense of hope, meaning, and purpose, in addition to encouraging individuals to engage in behavioral health care.
• Schools can implement suicide prevention programs that provide early intervention, while workplaces can encourage employees to utilize employee assistance programs that provide mental health resources and a nurturing, supportive environment for all.
• Community centers can host mental health support groups that incorporate wellness activities, and local businesses can promote and encourage mental health awareness by providing resources to employees and customers.
• You can contribute by reviewing suicide-related data, assessing the needs and readiness of your community, organization, tribe, state, or territory for suicide prevention, and by developing and implementing policies, programs, and practices to prevent suicide in these areas. Discover what's happening in your state or territory and explore ways to work with others for a bigger impact.

Effective Suicide Prevention Model

The Effective Suicide Prevention Model from the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) provides a flexible framework to develop, implement, and evaluate prevention efforts in various settings. This model emphasizes three key elements—strategic planning, keys to success, and a comprehensive approach—that work together to maximize impact and efficiently use resources.

Best Practices Registry (BPR)

The Best Practices Registry (BPR) from the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) features programs and strategies that have been thoroughly reviewed by experts to ensure they align with the latest guidance on suicide prevention. Each listing demonstrated effectiveness in preventing suicide or addressing related factors. If you have a program or intervention, you can submit it for consideration to be included in the BPR.

Zero Suicide Framework: A Safer Approach to Suicide Care

The Zero Suicide Framework is built on the belief that suicide can be prevented within care systems by improving access, quality, and support. It emphasizes the need for a strong commitment to preventing suicide, creating a culture where it is no longer acceptable, and setting clear goals to eliminate it. This involves organizing services to support those goals and using evidence-based practices proven to reduce suicide risks.