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A place to feel a little less alone.

Urgent help in other countries · What might help right now?

If this has lasted a while, feels too big, or is getting in the way of daily life, a licensed professional can help. In a crisis, call or text 988; for immediate danger, call 911.

U.S. resources: sexual assault, abuse & domestic violence

These are U.S. resources. If you are outside the U.S., these numbers may not work; see urgent help by country.

If something sexual happened that you did not want, it is not your fault, and you can reach out to someone at your own pace. These are outside organizations. This page does not save what you choose. Like most websites, our hosting provider may keep standard server logs.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

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Suicide prevention

If you are thinking about suicide, you do not have to carry it alone, and these feelings can change. Free, confidential help is available now.

Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org ↗ (U.S., any time). If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Outside the U.S., see urgent help by country.

How it can feel

Someone thinking about suicide may feel empty, hopeless, trapped, or in unbearable distress. They may feel ashamed, guilty, or like a burden, or be extremely anxious, agitated, angry, or numb. These feelings do not look the same for everyone, and they can change. NIMH’s warning signs ↗ explain more.

Warning signs in someone you care about

Many people show at least one sign, in what they say or do. Take any of these seriously, especially if they are new or have grown stronger.

• Talking about wanting to die, having no reason to live, being a burden, or feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
• Deep hopelessness, or sudden changes in mood, sleep, or behavior.
• Pulling away from friends, family, and things they used to enjoy.
• Saying goodbye or reaching out as if for the last time.

How to help

• Ask directly whether they are thinking about suicide. Asking does not put the idea in their mind.
• Listen without judging or rushing to fix. Let them know they matter to you.
• Stay with them and help them connect to 988 or a professional. If they are in immediate danger, call 911.
• Check in again afterward. Staying connected helps.

Music as a small comfort

There is no single right genre, and music cannot tell anyone whether a person is safe. If you are supporting someone, let them choose familiar, comforting songs, perhaps gentle or steady music, or songs that remind them of connection and reasons to stay. Listen together if they want company. Avoid tracks or lyrics that stir up painful memories or thoughts of suicide, and stop or switch if they feel worse. The American Music Therapy Association notes that intense or distressing reactions need support, so treat a playlist as a small comfort, not treatment.

If someone is in danger right now

Stay with them and call 911 (or your local emergency number). In the U.S., you can also call or text 988 together.

A safety plan

A safety plan is a short, personal list you make ahead of time for hard moments. A common format, the Stanley-Brown Safety Plan, has these steps:

1. Notice your own warning signs.
2. Things you can do on your own to cope.
3. People and places that offer a healthy distraction.
4. People you can ask for help.
5. Professionals and crisis lines to call, such as 988.
6. Making your space safer. A professional or someone you trust can help you with this step.

Safety plans work best when made with a clinician or someone you trust. Write yours on paper or in a private notes app; this page does not save what you choose. Like most websites, our hosting provider may keep standard server logs.

Learn more: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention ↗ · Suicide Prevention Resource Center ↗ · 988 Lifeline ↗