If you are in crisis and need immediate help

Need immediate help?

If you are thinking about harming yourself or attempting suicide, tell someone who can help right away:

• Call your doctor’s office.
• Call 911 for emergency services.
• Go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
• Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Hopeline Network at 1-800 SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) to be connected to a trained counselor at a suicide crisis center nearest you.

Ask a family member or friend to help you make these calls or take you to the hospital.

If you have a family member or friend in crisis

If you have a family member or friend who is suicidal, do not leave him or her alone. Try to get the person to seek help immediately from an emergency room, physician, or mental health professional. Take seriously any comments about suicide or wishing to die. Even if you do not believe your family member or friend will actually attempt suicide, the person is clearly in distress and can benefit from your help in receiving mental health treatment.

This NIH publication is in the public domain and may be used and reprinted without permission.