Suicide Concerns

Is this your symptom?

  • Concerns about suicide thoughts, threats, plans or attempts
  • Concerns about risk for suicide

Suicide in the US

  • Suicide attempts, threats or plans must always be taken very seriously. Thoughts or talk about killing or hurting oneself also need evaluation on a timely basis. So do comments about "no reason to live." Emergency rooms are often your best resource.
  • Suicide risk starts at age 10, upon starting middle school.
  • These rates have gone up during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Suicides are a mental health crisis in the US.

Risk Factors for Suicide Completion (Death)

Suicide deaths continue to increase each year in the US. Signs of risk include: 

  • Specific, thought out plan for committing suicide
  • Access to lethal methods, such as a loaded firearm or dangerous medications 
  • Prior suicide attempt
  • Family history of completed suicide
  • Prior diagnosis of psychiatric illness
  • Heavy use of alcohol or drugs
  • Serious or chronic medical disease or disability
  • Childhood maltreatment, especially sexual abuse
  • Impulsive, risk-taking behavior 
  • Feeling helpless or worthless

When to Call for Suicide Concerns

When to Call for Suicide Concerns

Call 911 Now

  • Attempted suicide within last 24 hours
  • Acts or talks confused
  • You think you, or your friend, have a life-threatening emergency

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

  • Thoughts of suicide or killing self (or call 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline)
  • Thoughts of seriously harming self (or call 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline)
  • Themes of death in drawings or writings (or call 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline)
  • You think you, or your friend, need to be seen (or call 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline)

Self Care at Home

  • Suicide and depression resources - request for information only

Call 911 Now

  • Attempted suicide within last 24 hours
  • Acts or talks confused
  • You think you, or your friend, have a life-threatening emergency

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

  • Thoughts of suicide or killing self (or call 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline)
  • Thoughts of seriously harming self (or call 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline)
  • Themes of death in drawings or writings (or call 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline)
  • You think you, or your friend, need to be seen (or call 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline)

Self Care at Home

  • Suicide and depression resources - request for information only

Care Advice for Suicide Concerns

Suicide Hotlines and Helplines:

  • Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: for urgent concerns about suicide or substance use crisis, call 988. This national 24/7 crisis line was established in 2022.
  • For non-urgent concerns, call your local mental health resource.
  • If you don't have their number, call National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI).
  • The NAMI Helpline is an information and referral source for finding local mental health programs. The national toll-free phone number: 1-800-950-6264. NAMI is not a 24/7 crisis line.

Suicidal Thoughts: Home Safety Plan

  • Check your home for anything your partner or friend might use to hurt themself.
  • Lock away any firearms. Be sure they are unloaded. Better yet, store them with a relative or friend. Reason: firearms cause most suicidal deaths in North America.
  • Monitor your partner or friend's access to medications or alcohol.

    • Remember! Contact your doctor if you or your child develop any "Contact Your Doctor" symptoms.

    Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Copyright 2025 Schmitt Decision Logic LLC.