If you need help, please call us.

Each month, more than 8,500 people speak with a crisis worker by dialing 1-800-273-TALK (8255). With suicide prevention as our mission, there are a wide range of reasons that people call the Lifeline. Callers are often seeking help with or information on:

• Suicidal thoughts
• Economic problems
• Information on suicide
• Sexual orientation issues
• Mental health/ illness
• Homelessness issues
• Post-disaster needs
• Physical illness
• Substance abuse/addiction
• Loneliness
• Abuse/violence
• Family problems
• Relationship problems

Who Should Call?

• Anyone, but especially those who feel sad, hopeless, or suicidal
• Family and friends who are concerned about a loved one who may be experiencing these feelings
• Anyone interested in suicide prevention, treatment, and service referrals

Details about the Lifeline

• The service is free and confidential.
• The hotline is staffed by trained counselors.
• We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• We have information about support services that can help you.

TTY Users
If you are a TTY user, please use our TTY number: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889)

When you dial 1-800-273-TALK, your call will be routed to the nearest available crisis center in our network. We currently have 120 centers in the networkand you will most likely speak to one in your area. To find out where the nearest center to you is, have a look at our Crisis Center Map.

Each crisis center operates independently of the Lifeline and has its own staff. Centers range from being volunteer based to having full-time social workers on staff. After the center picks up, you will speak with an actual human being, who will ask you questions about your situation and be able to assess how best to help you through the crisis.

I’m Calling for Myself
Crisis center staff will be able to listen to your concerns and talk with you through your crisis, and they can then give you local referrals to community resources for further support, as needed. You are always free to call 1-800-273-TALK again for followup or to check in.

I’m Calling for Someone I Care About
If you are worried that someone you know is in crisis or is thinking about suicide, our centers can help. A crisis worker at the center might:

• Give you ideas and tips about how to approach the person youre concerned about. They can help you think about the best thing to say to get them to seek help.
• In some cases, the center can conference you together with the person you are concerned about.
• Some communities have access to mobile crisis teams that can visit with people in their homes. If your area has outreach teams, our center will be able to connect you with them.

I’m Calling for Mental Health Information
You dont have to be in crisis to callour centers can answer general questions about mental health, depression, suicide, community health resources, and more. You also can call to find out more about suicide prevention activities in your area. Some Facts About the Lifeline

• The call is toll-free from any phone in the United States.
• Our line operates all day, every dayso you can reach a crisis worker when you need one.
• Your call is confidential, which means that every effort will be made by the crisis counselor to keep your identity private.
• We have services in English and Spanish.
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is funded through a grant provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and administered by the Mental Health Association of New York City.

Someone I know is in crisis

Looking out for friends and loved ones is an important part of preventing suicide. You can call the Lifeline to speak with a crisis worker on behalf of someone you are concerned about. The crisis workers have access to local resources and can help you identify ways to get help to your loved ones. So call 1-800-273-TALK today to help save a life.

Here Are Some Other Ways To Be Helpful to Someone Who Is Threatening Suicide:*

    

• Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide.
• Be willing to listen. Allow expressions of feelings. Accept the feelings.
• Be nonjudgmental. Dont debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or whether feelings are good or bad. Dont lecture on the value of life.
• Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.
• Dont dare him or her to do it.
• Dont act shocked. This will put distance between you.
• Dont be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.
• Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance.
• Take action. Remove means, such as guns or stockpiled pills.
• Get help from persons or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.

Be Aware of Feelings:*

Many people at some time in their lives think about completing suicide. Most decide to live because they eventually come to realize that the crisis is temporary and death is permanent. On the other hand, people having a crisis sometimes perceive their dilemma as inescapable and feel an utter loss of control. These are some of the feelings and thoughts they experience:

• Cant stop the pain.
• Cant think clearly.
• Cant make decisions.
• Cant see any way out.
• Cant sleep, eat, or work.
• Cant get out of depression.
• Cant make the sadness go away.
• Cant see a future without pain.
• Cant see themselves as worthwhile.
• Cant get someones attention.
• Cant seem to get control.

If you experience these feelings, get help! If someone you know exhibits these symptoms, offer help!

Download the Lifeline wallet card to keep with you or give out:

• English language wallet cards [PDF]
• Spanish language wallet card [PDF]

* This material was developed by the American Association of Suicidology.

Suicide Warning Signs

Seek help as soon as possible by contacting a mental health professional or by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK if you or someone you know exhibits any of the following signs:

• Threatening to hurt or kill oneself or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself.
• Looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means.
• Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person.
• Feeling hopeless.
• Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge.
• Acting reckless or engaging in risky activitiesseemingly without thinking.
• Feeling trappedlike theres no way out.
• Increasing alcohol or drug use.
• Withdrawing from friends, family, and society.
• Feeling anxious, agitated, or unable to sleep, or sleeping all the time.
• Experiencing dramatic mood changes.
• Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life.

Download a Lifeline wallet card to keep with you or give out: These cards include tips on how to help or get help, and summaries of warning signs.

What To Do if You Think a Person Is Having Suicidal Thoughts [PDF]

English language wallet cards [PDF] 

Spanish language wallet card [PDF]

Spanish Users

Para servicio en español, por favor marque el 1-888-628-9454.

TTY Users

If you are a TTY user, please use our TTY number:  1-800-779-4TTY (4889)