What do I do if I am having suicidal thoughts?
If You Are Having Suicidal Thoughts, Get Help Right Away!
If you're having thoughts like "I wish I was dead" or "It would be better for everyone if I wasn’t here," this is a sign that you are severely depressed and you need help. It’s very important to get help right away if you are feeling like this. These thoughts are a sign of depression, and there is help available for you.
What do I do if I am having Suicidal Thoughts?
| Action | What to Do | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Talk to a Professional | It’s really helpful to talk to a psychologist or doctor. They can help you understand why you feel this way and teach you ways to feel better. | A professional can provide support, understanding, and effective treatment to help you feel better. |
| Make a Safety Plan | Work with a psychologist to create a safety plan. This plan can include:
|
Having a safety plan helps you know what to do when you feel overwhelmed, keeping you safer in difficult moments. |
| Take Care of Yourself | Doing small things to take care of your body and mind can help. These are not a replacement for professional help, but they can make you feel a little better:
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Taking care of your body and mind can help you feel a little more relaxed and in control. |
| Avoid Alcohol or Drugs | Alcohol and drugs can make your feelings worse and may make it harder to ask for help when you need it. Try to avoid them, especially when you’re feeling down. | Avoiding alcohol and drugs helps you think more clearly and seek the support you need. |
What Do I Do If I Am Actively Suicidal (I have a plan to kill myself)?
| Action | What to Do | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Talk to Someone You Trust | Tell someone you trust—like a friend, family member, or teacher—how you’re feeling. You don’t have to go through this alone. | Asking for help is okay. Let others support you. |
| Go to the Nearest Emergency Room | If you are thinking about hurting yourself or have a plan, go to the nearest emergency room right away. The doctors and nurses are trained to help. | It’s important to get help right away. The hospital can provide the care you need. |
| Call for Help | If you feel like you are in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency number. | Emergency responders can take you to a safe place and get you the help you need. |
| Call a Crisis Helpline | If you can’t get to the hospital or don’t know what to do, call a suicide prevention hotline. These trained helpers are available anytime. | They can help guide you through your feelings and provide support. |
| Don’t Be Alone | If you’re feeling unsafe, stay with someone who can help you. Stay with a friend, family member, or even a teacher. If you’re alone and feel at risk, remove anything that could hurt you, like sharp objects or pills. Stay away from anything dangerous until you can get help. | Staying with someone you trust can keep you safe, and removing dangerous items can prevent harm. |
Hotline Numbers:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (USA): Call 988 or text 988 for help anytime, 24/7.
Crisis Text Line (USA): Text HELLO to 741741 to talk to someone who can help.
What to Do If Someone You Know Has Suicidal Thoughts:
| Action | What to Do | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Stay With Them | If someone you care about is having suicidal thoughts, don’t leave them alone. Stay with them until they are safe, and help them get the support they need. | Being with them ensures they are safe and can help them feel supported during a difficult time. |
| Encourage Them to Seek Help | Encourage the person to talk to a doctor or go to the emergency room. You can help by calling a crisis helpline to get advice on what to do next. | Seeking professional help can provide the person with the care and support they need to feel better. |
| Take Their Feelings Seriously | Never ignore their feelings. Let them know you care about them and want to help. Be kind, patient, and understanding. | Taking their feelings seriously shows that you care and can help them feel less alone in their struggle. |
| Call for Help | If the person is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Don’t wait for the situation to get worse. | Calling 911 ensures the person gets immediate care and support from emergency responders. |
Remember:
You are not alone, and there are people who care about you and want to help. Talk to someone and get help as soon as you can.
If based on this information you believe you may have suicidal thoughts and want treatment (*and live in the state of Utah) Dr. Cariello is expertly trained in treating suicidal thoughts. Click the button below to schedule your free 15 minute consultation.