Thoughts of Suicide

Thoughts of suicide, sometimes called suicidal ideation, are thoughts about wanting to die or to end your life. They usually come when pain feels unbearable and when it feels as if nothing will change. They are more common than many people think, and they do not make you weak or broken.

These thoughts can pass, and effective, evidence-based treatments and supports can help prevent suicide (NIMH). Reaching out is a strength.

People describe feeling trapped, exhausted, hopeless, or like a burden. Some feel numb. Many say they do not want to die so much as they want the pain to stop.

The 988 Lifeline lists these warning signs, which matter most when they are new, increasing, or follow a painful event:

• Talking about wanting to die, or about having no reason to live
• Feeling hopeless, trapped, or in unbearable pain, or like a burden to others
• Withdrawing from friends, saying goodbye, or giving away important things
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious, agitated, or reckless
• Sleeping too little or too much, or extreme mood swings
• Looking for ways to end one’s life

If you are having these thoughts: tell someone you trust, and call or text 988 any time, day or night (United States), or use your local emergency number or findahelpline.com. A professional can help you build a safety plan, treat what is driving the pain, such as depression, and make your surroundings safer when thoughts are strong.

If you are worried about someone: ask directly and calmly. Research has not found that asking about suicide plants the idea, and it can bring relief. Listen without judging or arguing, do not promise to keep it secret, help them reach support, help make their surroundings safer, and stay connected. In the United States, you can call or text 988 for guidance on what to say.

Right now: call or text 988 (United States), or chat at 988lifeline.org. In the United States, veterans can call 988 and press 1. Outside the United States, find a local helpline at findahelpline.com. If there is a plan, the means, or immediate danger, call 911 (in the United States) or your local emergency number.

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Warning signs
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Help someone else
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Suicide Prevention