Action is Critical to Save a Person’s Life

When someone has thoughts of suicide, it can impact their mental health and lead to suicidal behaviors or self-harm. Take action to get them help.

Suicide is a Major Public Health Problem

1,600+

people died by suicide in North Carolina in 2022

49,000+

people died by suicide in the U.S. in 2022

See more on the impact of suicide

Action Steps and Guidance to Help Someone

Ask

Ask them “Are you thinking about suicide?”

It’s not an easy question to ask. Yet it can help start a conversation. Studies show that when you ask a person if they are suicidal it does not increase suicidal behavior or thoughts.

Be There

Listen to them without judgment.

This is key to learn about what the person thinks and feels. Research suggests that when you acknowledge and talk about suicide it may reduce suicidal thoughts.

Keep Them Safe

It’s important to ask a person about suicide and make sure they have less access to lethal means. This can help them stay safe when they are having suicidal thoughts.

Help Them Connect

This gives them a safety net when they need it most. You can also help them reach out to trusted people they know. This may include family members, friends, religious or spiritual advisors, or mental health professionals.

Follow Up

Stay in touch with a person after a crisis.

This can make a difference. Studies show that supportive, ongoing contact can play an important role in suicide prevention.

When to Call or Text 988

  • If a person expresses suicidal thoughts or behaviors
  • If a person has other mental health crises (anxiety, depression, etc.)
  • If a person expresses paranoia
  • If a person expresses abusive behavior
  • If a person has ongoing substance use concerns

What 988 Offers

  • Access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Support in English or Spanish
  • Contact via call, text, or chat
  • Trained crisis counselors
  • Support for veterans
  • Support for LGBTQ+ individuals

When to Call 911

Call 911 if a person:

  • is threatening to hurt themselves or others
  • needs emergency medical attention
  • may have overdosed on a substance or mediation

What to Say to 911 Operators

  • Say “I need help for a mental health crisis.”
  • Describe the person’s mental state:
  • “They are not violent, but they are in emotional distress.”
  • “They are talking about suicide and need help.”
  • “They are confused, disoriented, and might hurt themselves.”
  • “They are unarmed. They are not violent.”
  • Ask “Can you send someone who is trained in mental health crisis management?”

What to Say to 911 Operators

Here’s a complete example of what you can say to 911 operators:

  • “I need help with a mental health emergency. My [family member/friend] is experiencing a mental health crisis. They are not violent and have no weapons. They are talking about harming themselves. Please send someone trained in mental health. They’re currently sitting in the living room, calm but upset.”

Resources on How to Help People

There are many ways you can help someone. Use these resources to find action steps, data, and information on how to help when a person has thoughts of suicide.

National Institute of Mental Health

Brief guide that lists five action steps you can take to help someone when they have thoughts of suicide.

A Black man talks to a Black therapist.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

List of simple action steps you can take to talk with someone who is at risk for suicide.

A woman uses a laptop to look for information on suicide prevention.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the U.S. and its territories.

A person inserts a key into a lock.

NC S.A.F.E.

North Carolina’s statewide initiative to raise awareness of the importance of safe firearm storage. It provides resources and best practices for firearm storage and safety.

A therapist comforts a young person in distress during a group therapy session, looking from above.

QPR Institute

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer. People trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help.

A young Black woman sits on a couch and talks with a young Black mental health professional.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network

Fact sheet for youth ages 12 and up that provides guidance on how to talk about suicide with friends and peers.

A mom sits at a table with her two children while using a computer.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Helpful glossary of terms and language around mental health and suicide prevention.

Courses

Free courses to learn about action steps, data, and how to help when a person has thoughts of suicide.

CALM: Counseling on Access to Lethal Means

This is a free, self-paced, online course for health care and social services providers. CALM can help you feel prepared to talk with a person about how to keep them safe from lethal means. The term lethal means refers to objects or means used to carry out harm to oneself. This may include firearms, medicines, and bridges, for example.

Get Updates from
Suicide Prevention Institute

Our Vision

Our vision is to unite North Carolina to make suicide prevention a common goal for all residents.

I want to learn...

Our Story

Our Programs

UNC School of Medicine Suicide Prevention Institute Logo

© 2025 UNC School of Medicine | Accessibility | Privacy Statement

Notice of Privacy Practices | Aviso de Practicas Privadas | Nondiscrimination Notice | Aviso de no Discriminacion
Surprise Billing and Good Faith Estimate Notices | Avisos de facturas médicas sorpresas y avisos de presupuestos de buena fe
Select Language »

How to Find Help Right Now

If you or someone else needs help right now, do not wait. Use these resources below to get help.

X

988

Lifeline

Available 24/7/365. Free. Confidential.
Connect to judgment-free counselors who provide compassionate support.

CALL
TEXT
CHAT
Deaf/Hoh
988 Lifeline

Free and confidential. Available 24/7/365. Staffed by trained crisis counselors who can help you take care of yourself, a friend, or loved one.

Call 988

Text 988

Chat

Deaf/HoH

Veterans Crisis Line

Free and confidential. Available 24/7/365. Connect with a real, qualified person who can support veterans and family members. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to call.

Call 988 then press ‘1’

Text 838255

Chat

Trevor Suicide Hotline for LGBTQ Youth

Free and confidential. Available 24/7/365. Trained counselors who understand the challenges LGBTQ+ young people face and provide judgement-free support.

Call 866-488-7386

Text ‘START’ to 678678

Chat

CopLine®

Free and confidential. Available 24/7/365. Exclusively for current and former law enforcement personnel and their families. Staffed by trained and compassionate retired officers.

Call 800-267-5463

Trans Lifeline’s Hotline

Free and confidential. Open Monday-Friday from 1:00pm-9:00pm. Staffed by trans/nonbinary peer operators. No nonconsensual active rescue.

Call 877-565-8860

NC Peer Warmline

Free and available 24/7/365 (English only). Staffed by certified peer support specialists who have personal experiences with mental health or substance use issues.

Call 855-PEERS-NC (855-733-7762)

NAMI NC Helpline

Free and confidential. Open Monday-Friday from 8:30am-5:00pm. Trained staff and volunteers can help individuals and family members who are impacted by mental health concerns.

Call 800-451-9682

Text 919-999-6527

Email

211

Free and confidential. Available 24/7/365. Staffed by trained Community Resource Specialists who can make referrals to verified resources for basic needs such as housing and utility assistance, food, health care, transportation, and more.

Call 211

SAMHSA’s National Helpline

Free and confidential. Available 24/7/365 in English and Spanish. It serves individuals and family members who face mental and/or substance use disorders and offers referrals to local treatment options, support groups, and community-based organizations.

Call 800-662-HELP (4357)

Text your ZIP Code to 435748 (HELP4U)

Visit FindTreatment.gov

Disaster Distress Helpline

Free and confidential. Available 24/7/365 in multiple languages. Staffed by trained counselors and open to anyone who experiences emotional distress related to disasters (survivors, loved ones, first responders, clergy, rescue and recovery workers, and more).

Call 800-985-5990

This website uses cookies and similar technologies to understand visitor experiences. By using this website, you consent to UNC-Chapel Hill’s cookie usage in accordance with their Privacy Notice.
I Accept