CW: This post discusses suicide and suicide.
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is extremely important for many reasons, but one of the most important is that it is an opportunity to have open discussions about suicide and suicide prevention. It’s also a good time to share resources for those who may need them, as well as for people who want to share information with their loved ones and communities. Over the years, I’ve managed to amass an extensive list of suicide prevention resources, which I’d like to share again this year.
Below are some links and descriptions to some of the more well-known suicide prevention resources, websites and phone numbers. If you have any questions about anything I’ve listed or want to know more, please contact us to get the information you need.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
For anyone who may have missed it, 988 is now the three digit dialing code that directs callers to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Last year, Lifeline switched from the previously recognized 10-digit number of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to the three-digit number 988 Lifeline (the previous number 1-800-273-TALK (8255) will continue to operate). Lifeline provides “free and confidential support for people at risk, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.” This suicide prevention center offers more resources than just a hotline – there is one online chat if you can’t talk on the phone, as well as specific resources for Veterans, LGBTQ+, Attempted Survivors and other groups of people who could be at risk.
Crisis text line
Talking on the phone isn’t always the best option, and that’s where the Crisis Text Line can help. By texting “TALK” to 741741, you can have a confidential text chat with someone. The first priority for the Crisis Text line “is to help people move from a hot moment to a cool calm by guiding you to create a plan to stay safe and healthy.”
Suicide prevention Resource Centre
The SPRC is the only federal resource center specifically dedicated to suicide prevention and offers information on the best techniques and approaches to suicide prevention. This site is especially helpful with some of the training they offer, including online courses and webinars.
The Trevor Project
Founded specifically to focus on suicide prevention for youth in the LGBTQ+ community, the Trevor Project offers several free resources to directly help those in need, including the Trevor Lifeline (1-866-488-7386), Trevor Chat, Trevor Text and Trevor Space (you can reach all of these through their “Get help now” page).
Veterans Crisis Line
Like many of the resources offered here, the Veterans Crisis Line offers a confidential phone line, online chat and text support. Another important resource this crisis line provides is that after a call or chat, you can be referred to a Suicide Prevention Coordinator at that person’s local VA medical center.
SAMHSA National Helpline
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) national helpline may provide more useful support not only to people struggling with their mental health but also substance abuse (or both). The helpline notes that they accept calls in both English and Spanish.
Trans Lifeline
Founded in 2014 as a peer-to-peer crisis support line, Trans Lifeline is an “organization that connects trans people with the community, support and resources they need to survive and thrive.” Their peer support hotline (877-565-8860) is available from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. EST in the US and works for and by trans people.
Additional resources
In addition to these helplines, other phone numbers to be aware of include the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673) and the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline (1-866-331-9474). If you want to connect with local resources, I will also research helplines and local facilities in your area. Knowing where a local clinic, mental health unit, or psychiatric unit of a hospital could be a lifesaver, especially when you don’t need to do that research during a crisis.
When we share information like this publicly, we draw attention to the many ways people can get support or feel heard during their struggles. The more information we share, the better prepared we are in the fight against suicide.
During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, it’s important to share as many resources as possible – if you know of resources that aren’t listed here, please share them in the comments!
