Suicide Prevention: Recognizing the Signs and Offering Support

Suicide is a serious public health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Recognizing the warning signs and providing support to those struggling is crucial for suicide prevention. Whether you or someone you know is dealing with suicidal thoughts, being able to identify the signs and understanding which resources are available can be lifesaving.

Understanding Suicidal Feelings

Suicidal feelings often stem from overwhelming emotional pain, hopelessness and depression. These emotions can make it difficult for individuals to see any other way out of their suffering. However, it’s important to remember that help is available, and there are strategies to manage these feelings.

Warning Signs of Suicidal Thoughts

Being aware of the signs of suicidal thoughts can help you intervene before it’s too late. Some warning signs include:

• Expressing feelings of hopelessness or having no reason to live.
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable emotional or physical pain.
• Admitting to feeling tremendous guilt or shame.
• Withdrawing from friends, family and social activities.
• Displaying extreme mood swings or changes in behavior.
• Giving away prized possessions or making arrangements for loved ones.
• Eating or sleeping more or less.
• Using drugs or alcohol more often.

If you notice any of the above signs in yourself or others, it’s essential to take them seriously and seek help immediately.

How to Cope with Suicidal Feelings

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, consider the following steps to cope:

• Reach out: Talk to someone you trust, such as a family member, friend, teacher or counselor. Isolation can worsen your feelings, so staying connected is crucial.
• Avoid triggers: Stay away from alcohol, drugs and other substances that may lower your inhibitions and increase the risk of impulsive actions.
• Stick to routines: Keeping a regular schedule and setting small, achievable goals can provide stability and accomplishment.
• Engage in activities you enjoy: Whether listening to music, reading or spending time in nature, doing things you love can provide comfort and distraction.
• Remove potential means of harm: If you’re thinking of self-harm, consider giving your medications or harmful items to someone else to hold on to.

Supporting Someone with Suicidal Thoughts

If someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, here’s how you can help:

• Listen without judgment: Allow them to express their feelings without interrupting or offering solutions immediately.
• Encourage them to seek professional help: Suggest they speak with a therapist, counselor or doctor.
• Stay with them: Do not leave them alone if you believe they are in immediate danger. Stay with them and contact emergency services if necessary.
• Remove potential means of harm: Help them remove any weapons, medications or other items that may be used for self-harm from their environment.

Resources for Suicide Prevention

24-Hour Crisis Intervention Services

If you or someone you know needs immediate help for suicide prevention, please call 911 or get to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Local Hospital Emergency Rooms

GHC-SCW Weekday and After-Hours Crisis Lines

For immediate help with a behavioral health emergency, GHC-SCW 24-hour phone contact is available to GHC-SCW members.

• From 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on weekdays, when the clinics are open, please call (608) 441-3290 to be connected to a behavioral health provider who will speak to you by phone.
• After work hours, weekends and when the clinics are closed, call GHC Nurse Connect at (608) 257-9700.  A nurse or on-call behavioral health therapist will help you address your behavioral health emergency and safety. This line does not provide help with medications, appointments or contacting your provider – these needs can be addressed during weekday business hours.

National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Anyone who needs support for suicidal thoughts, mental health and/or substance use crisis can call.
Click here to access a PDF of community and nationwide suicide crisis resources.

Journey Mental Health Crisis Line

This is a local crisis line for anyone who is a Dane County resident and not a GHC-SCW member: (608) 280-2600

Suicide Hotlines

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
• National Hopeline Network: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
• Suicide Prevention Hotline for Spanish-speaking counselors: 1-888-628-9454
• The Trevor Project (For LGBTQIA+ youth): 1-866-4-U-TREVOR (1-866-488-7386)

Text and Chat Resources

• Crisis Text Line: This is a free 24/7, confidential text messaging service for people in crisis. A live, trained crisis counselor receives the text and responds quickly. Text “MATTERS” or “HOME” to 741741
• The Trevor Project: This is a free 24/7/365, confidential text messaging and live chat service for LGBTQIA+ youth. The service is 100% free and 100% confidential. Text “START” to 678678, or live chat here.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Chat: They offer an online chat available 24/7. Access the live chat here.
• The Chronic Suicide Support Forum: This forum offers an opportunity for non-judgmental, supportive discussion about chronic suicidal thoughts with other who have experienced them as well. Access the forum here.

Seeking Help

Suicide is preventable, and reaching out for help is a sign of strength. By understanding the warning signs and knowing how to offer support, we can make a difference in the lives of those who are struggling.

For more information and resources, visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or The Trevor Project. If you are struggling with feelings of suicide, please remember that you are not alone and help is always available.