11/13/2026
*Possible Trigger Warning ⚠️*
Su***de claims the lives of over 47,500 people every year in the United States. It’s often a way for people who are suffering to escape their pain when they feel like there is no other way out and have lost hope of getting better.
Because su***de affects everyone, regardless of gender, age or ethnicity, knowing the risk factors and being aware of the warning signs can help you identify if someone is having thoughts about su***de and inform the steps you can take to prevent it.
If you start to see any of the warning signs, like changes in behavior, mood or conversation, there are some steps you can take to help them. Some of these preventive measures include:
🔹Call 911 or local emergency services.
🔹Find treatment providers for them.
🔹Talk with them in private and directly address your concerns.
🔹Give them the su***de hotline number (1-800-273-8255).
🔹Help them develop a safety plan.
🔹Remove access to lethal means.
After you’ve connected with someone about their suicidal thoughts, be sure to follow-up and see how they are feeling. Reaching out and showing you care about their well-being and safety can increase their feeling of connectedness, which has been shown to reduce rates of death by su***de.
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