You matter – and we’re here to help you find a way out of whatever is going on.
Note: You can expect a response within 5 minutes.
Everyone can do their part to help prevent suicide. Take the time to learn the warning signs and know the risk factors. Be mindful if any of the warning signs are new, have increased, or seem to be the result of a loss, change, or event. If you recognize any of these signs for yourself or with someone else, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
*Warning Signs & Risk Factors Adapted from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
If you’re having a hard time and don’t know what to do, please know that you are not alone. Talking to someone, asking for help, or just acknowledging that you want things to get better is a remarkable first step. It may not seem like it, but taking just one small step can make a big difference. Here are some steps you can take right now.
Even though it’s a hard question, ask it anyway:
“Are you thinking about killing yourself?”
If the answer is “yes,” tell them how much they matter to you. Then, do your best to connect them to help. If you think they’re in crisis, do not leave the person alone.
It’s not your place to fix someone else. You can, however, help by listening, connecting them to places that can help, and by being championing them through the struggle.
Research shows that people who are contemplating suicide are more likely to get help if they’re given the chance to have an open, non-judgmental conversation about how they’re feeling.
DO: “I’ve missed seeing you.”
DON’T: “You never want to do anything anymore.”
DO: “What I heard you say is ...”
DON’T: Move onto another subject.
DO: “That must make you feel alone. I know it would make me feel that way.”
DON’T: “Everyone feels alone. Get over it.”
DO: Check back in with the person.
DON’T: Wait and assume everything is okay when it may not be.
DO: “What have you been up to?”
DON’T: Ask yes or no questions like “Are you avoiding me?”
Connecting someone you care about with mental health services may seem scary or like it's your place. It can, however, be the best way you can help them deal with whatever it is they're going through. Find a local mental health service provider.
Call or Text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988
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Provides 24/7 access to crisis counselors who can provide support and/or advice when someone has an immediate need. It is important that the Lifeline is not a replacement for behavioral health counseling.
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Crisis Textline Text “4HOPE” to 741741
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Provides 24/7 access to crisis counselors for people who prefer to engage through texting. Everyone is guaranteed a response within 5 minutes. This is not a replacement for behavioral health counseling.
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Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services
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Maintains an Ohio Mental Health Provider Map. Just click on your county too see available mental health providers in your area.
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Ohio Department of Medicaid
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Has a searchable list of health providers who accept Medicaid. Too search for mental health providers in your area, select your county and then under “Provider Type” click “Clinical Counseling”, “Mental Health Clinic”, or “Psychology.”
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Keep scrolling for some proven ideas to make it easier for someone to seek mental health care.
Share a personal experience or simply let them know that counseling and other mental health services have helped millions of people overcome everyday challenges and negative ways of thinking.
Express that effective mental health services can help them deal with what’s going on now as well as lead to long-term personal growth.
Offer your thoughts, experiences, and recommendations – but only as a guide to help them make an informed and empowered decision.
Offer to go with them to their appointment. Just being there can often less anxiety and make it easier for them to connect. It’s a simple thing, but can greatly increase the probability they’ll follow through.
It takes strength to seek mental health care, so be sure to let them know what their willingness to do so means.
Losing a loved one to suicide transcends words. It may be one of the most difficult losses you will ever go through. It is emotional, exhausting, and overwhelming.
But you do not have to journey through your grief alone.
And you don’t have to give up hope of finding healing.