This guide offers quick access to trusted suicide prevention resources for anyone in crisis or supporting someone in need.

Death by suicide is the 11th-leading cause of death in the United States, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The foundation estimates that over 49,000 Americans die by suicide each year.

Despite the high rate of death by suicide among Americans, over half of people with a mental health condition don’t receive medical attention.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, know you’re not alone and help is out there. Below is a resource guide that includes hotlines, online forums, and other methods of support.

When people are having thoughts of harming themselves, suicide prevention hotlines can make all the difference. Crisis hotlines help millions of people every year and offer the option to speak with trained volunteers and counselors, either via phone or text message.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a national network of more than 150 local crisis centers. It offers free and confidential support around the clock to those experiencing a suicidal crisis.

Contact information:

Crisis Text Line

The Crisis Text Line is a free text messaging resource offering 24/7 support to anyone in crisis.

Contact information:

The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project offers crisis intervention and suicide prevention to LGBTQ youth through its hotline, chat feature, text feature, and online support center.

Contact information:

  • 866-488-7386 (24/7)
  • Text START to 678678. (Mon-Fri 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. EST/12 p.m. to 7 p.m. PST)
  • TrevorCHAT (instant messaging, available seven
    days a week 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. EST/12 p.m. to 7 p.m. PST)
  • https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

The Veterans Crisis Line

The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource staffed by qualified responders from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Anyone can call, chat, or text — even those not registered or enrolled with the VA.

Contact information:

SAMHSA’s National Helpline (Substance Abuse)

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) national helpline offers confidential treatment referrals in both English and Spanish to people struggling with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or both. In the first quarter of 2018, the helpline received more than 68,000 calls every month.

Contact information:

People who call suicide hotlines may hang up as soon as their call is answered. Online networks and support groups offer millions of people in crisis an alternative to asking for help out loud.

IMAlive

IMAlive is a virtual crisis center. It offers volunteers who are trained in crisis intervention. These individuals are ready to instant message with anyone who needs immediate support.

BetterHelp

This resource connects people with licensed, professional therapists online for a low, flat fee. Therapy is available whenever you need it.

7 Cups of Tea

7 Cups is an online resource that offers free, anonymous, and confidential text chat with trained listeners, online therapists, and counselors. With over 28 million conversations to date, it’s the world’s largest emotional support system.

ADAA Online Support Group

With more than 18,000 subscribers worldwide, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America’s online support group is a safe, supportive place to share information and experiences.

Befrienders

Befrienders is a global network of 349 emotional support centers around the world. It offers an open space for anyone in distress to be heard. Support is available via telephone, text message, in person, online, and through outreach and local partnerships.

Worldwide Suicide Prevention Chats

A source of emergency numbers, online chats, suicide hotlines, and therapy options, Suicide Stop gives people a variety of support methods.

Self-Injury Outreach and Support

Self-Injury Outreach and Support is an international organization that offers various resources for self-injurers, including guides, stories, and methods for daily coping.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, it’s often family and friends who first notice warning signs of suicide in their loved ones. Recognizing these signs can be the first step toward helping an at-risk individual find the support and guidance they need. The following apps, resources, and forums can help.

Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide

This online resource helps parents and educators raise awareness about youth suicide and attempted suicide through the development and promotion of educational training programs. The site also offers resources for teenagers who are contemplating suicide.

Jed Foundation

The Jed Foundation (JED) is a nonprofit organization that exists to protect the emotional health and prevent suicide of our nation’s teens and young adults.

JED equips these individuals with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and each other, and encourages community awareness, understanding, and action for young adult mental health.

The organization also partners with high schools and colleges to strengthen their mental health, substance use, and suicide prevention programs and systems.

National Alliance on Mental Illness Resource

Helping a loved one with mental illness can be challenging, but knowing where to begin is an important first step. The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers family members and caregivers specific guidance on a variety of issues, including how to help prevent suicide.

Teen Health

This online resource helps parents decide whether their child’s behavior is just a phase or a sign of something more serious.

Kelty Mental Health Resource Center

The Kelty Mental Health Resource Center offers parents and caregivers a variety of information and resources on mental health issues affecting children and young adults.

To Write Love on Her Arms

This nonprofit aims to help people experiencing depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide by connecting them with the appropriate hotlines, resources, and online communities through its blog and social channels.

The organization also fundraises to directly invest in treatment and recovery programs.

No one should have to face a mental health crisis alone. This suicide prevention resource guide brings together several trusted, confidential, and free services available 24/7, including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, The Trevor Project, Veterans Crisis Line, and SAMHSA’s National Helpline.

Whether you’re experiencing a personal crisis or supporting someone else, help is always just a call, text, or click away. Compassionate support is out there, and reaching out can make all the difference.