Know the Signs
Warning signs of suicide may be subtle, but they are there. Learn about various warning signs of suicide, find the words to start the conversation, and discover where to turn for help.
How to Deal with Suicide
Pass 741741 on to a friend. You never know who might need Crisis Text Line. Pass it on and tell the people in your life to text HOME to 741741 if they’re ever in crisis.
Suicide Help Guide
A trusted nonprofit resource guide to mental health and wellness. This resource contains information to support those who are struggling with their mental health.
Alternatives to Self Harm
If you’re feeling like hurting yourself, check out these activities and strategies you can do instead.
(Researched from the Cornell Research Program on Self-Injurious Behavior in Adolescents and Young Adults.)
Feeling Sad or Depressed:
- Do something slow and soothing
- Hug a loved one or stuffed animal
- Call or visit a friend
- Listen to upbeat music
Craving Sensation/ Wanting to Feel:
- Squeeze ice
- Snap a rubber band around your wrist
- Focus on how it feels to breathe. Pay attention to the rise and fall of your stomach.
- Suck on a lemon or lime
- Give someone a hug
Feeling Angry:
- Throw ice at a brick wall as hard as you can
- Flatten aluminum cans for recycling
- Go for a walk or run
- Rip up an old newspaper or phone book
- Blast music and dance
Feeling Like a Bad Person:
- List as many good qualities about yourself as you can
- Talk to someone who cares about you
- Do something nice for someone else
- Visualize a calming place in your mind and think about as many details as you can
Wanting to Focus:
- Chew food slowly, noticing how the texture changes as you chew
- Color in a coloring book or draw
- Memorize a poem that is meaningful to you
- Listen to your favorite song and focus on the lyrics
Download the worksheet for more strategies.
Suicide Prevention Quick Resource Guide
The quick resource guide has all the phone numbers and chat lines available to aid in suicide prevention on one convenient sheet.
Save a Friend: Preventing Teen Suicide
Tips for Peers from the National Association of School Psychologists will help to recognize when a friend might need help. Suicide rarely happens without warning. As a peer, you may be in the best position to recognize when a friend might need help and help them get it.
Apps and Web-Based Supports
The San Diego County Office of Education lists various apps and web-based supports available for students struggling with their mental health and/or having thoughts of suicide.
Survivors of Suicide Loss
Survivors of Suicide Loss (SOSL) reaches out to and supports people who have lost a loved one to suicide. Their goal is to give survivors a place where they can comfortably express themselves and find support, comfort, resources, and hope in a judgment-free environment. SOSL also focuses its efforts on promoting suicide awareness and prevention. Online support groups are available, as well as materials in Spanish.
You Are Never a Bother!
Whether it’s a low point, a crisis, or something you can’t exactly put into words, get help for yourself or a friend.