You Are Not Alone | Suicide Prevention

I'm sure by now you've heard all about the tragic deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain. And it seems to be an unfortunate fact that unless something bad happens to celebrities that people don't typically talk about things like depression or suicide. Which is heart breaking because suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. And according to data put out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there has been an increase in suicide in about half of the United States. Which is utterly devastating.

I know that you've probably seen or heard people rattle off information about suicide prevention. Well I'm here to rattle off all of the same information again because everyone needs to know that there is help out there and that they are not alone. Obviously I am not a trained mental health care provider but I am good at doing research and compiling information. So here are phone numbers and websites that you or a loved one can use to get help if you need it...

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness.

Crisis Text Line: Text "TALK" to 741-741

Crisis Text Line is free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text 741741 from anywhere in the US to text with a trained Crisis Counselor. Crisis Text Line trains volunteers to support people in crisis. With over 62 million messages processed to date, we’re growing quickly, but so is the need.

Trevor Lifeline: 1-866-488-7386

Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award®-winning short film TREVOR, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.

If you're outside of the United State you can check the International Association for Suicide Prevention website for lists of numbers of suicide hotlines by country or visit the Befrienders Worldwide website.

Please please please remember that there are people out there who can help and that you should never be ashamed to ask for help and that you are not alone.

If You Suspect Someone May Be At Risk:
1. Do not leave the person alone.
2. Remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt.
3. Call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
4. Take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional.

Source: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

For more tips and warning signs, click here.