Are you having thoughts of suicide?

Are you having thoughts of suicide? Are you concerned about someone being suicidal? Sometimes people end up on the LivingWorks website because they are actually looking for personal help. If someone were to ask you right now if you are having thoughts of suicide, what would your honest answer be? If yes, this is likely a difficult time for you. You do not need to go through this alone.

Likely, you are already taking your thoughts of suicide seriously. Being alone with thoughts of suicide is one thing that is known to increase the risk of harm or death. Find someone who is comfortable talking about suicide—someone who will work with you to prevent the risk of these thoughts leading to suicidal actions. One of the quickest and best ways to find out if the helper has these abilities is to tell them that you are having thoughts of suicide and watch their reaction. Don't expect them to be comfortable immediately, but do expect them to show more concern for you than for themselves. If they don't measure up, there are others who will. Don't give up.

Once you have found someone, don't expect that the helper is going to keep the danger secret or not want extra help. You want a helper who is honest about how much they can do. Lastly, be honest. Don't say anything just to please the helper or promise anything you can't or won't do. Everyone needs to take the time to find what will really help. Suicide is not the only way out.

If you do not know who to reach out to in your community, please see the information by region below. Telephone and text crisis services have provided effective help to many people who are feeling suicidal and can do the same for you.

Australia

Lifeline Australia: Call 13 11 14 to get help

Canada

Call 1-833-456-4566 for 24-hour support anywhere in Canada (or 1-866-277-3553 in Quebec)
Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Listing of crisis centres across Canada
Kids Help Phone: Services for young people, including issues other than suicide
Hope for Wellness Helpline: Call 1-855-242-3310 (link): Available 24/7 to all Indigenous people across Canada

United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland

Samaritans: For everyone; call 116 123 anytime
HOPELineUK: For people under 35; call 0800 068 41 41 or text 07786 209697 (M–F, 10:00 am—5:00 pm and 7:00 pm—10:00 pm; S–S 2:00 pm—5:00 pm)

United States

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for 24-hour service
Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 or text to 838255

International

Listing of crisis lines around the world