I'm having thoughts about suicide or self-injury
If you're in immediate physical danger, please contact local law enforcement or a suicide helpline for help.
If you're going through something difficult and the threat isn't immediate, we want you to know there are things you can do right now that may help you.
Talk to someone at a helpline
Suicide Prevention
- Find your local suicide helpline by viewing our full list of prevention resources. We partner with over 50 expert organizations around the world.
Self-Injury
- In the US, United Kingdom and Ireland, contact Reach Out: 1-800-448-3000; https://au.reachout.com/tough-times/self-harm
- In Australia, contact headspace: 1800 650 890; https://headspace.org.au/young-people/understanding-self-harm-for-young-people/?stage=Live
- In other countries, contact Befrienders: 1-800-448-3000; http://www.befrienders.org/about-self-harm.
Reach out to someone you trust
Contact someone you trust, like a family member, friend, counselor or teacher, and ask them to let you share what’s on your mind. For example, you could say, "I'm going through something difficult and was hoping to talk to you about it. If that's OK with you, can you take some time to listen?"
Learn about other ways to support yourself
It can be difficult to focus when you're overwhelmed or can't find a solution to a problem right away. Stop for a moment, take a deep breath and give yourself a break from your feelings.
Try some of these tips from self-care experts at Forefront and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Change your surroundings:
- Go for a walk outside if you can.
- Let in some fresh air by opening a window or a door.
- Try sitting in a different room, on a doorstep or even just facing a different direction.
- Draw something simple.
- Make a nice meal.
- Write a short story.
- Meditate or do yoga.
- Take a hot shower.
- Listen to your favorite songs.
- Look at the clouds.
- Read a book, magazine or blog post.
- Take a nap.
If the tips above don't work for you, see more things you can do right now.
You can also learn more about dealing with suicidal thoughts and find local self-care experts.
If you have a friend who’s having thoughts about suicide or self-injury, you can share these resources with them as well.