How to Be There: A Guide to Suicide Prevention for Everyone
Every year, millions of people are affected by suicide, from the people whose lives are lost to those who love them.
This crisis is fueled not only by personal struggles but also by the systems and environments we live in, like lack of affordable mental healthcare, stigma, and the absence of supportive social environments.
While none of us can solve these challenges alone, we all have a role to play. Organizations like Suffer Out Loud continue to advance systemic changes including improved access to mental healthcare and a culture where talking about mental health is as normal as talking about physical health.
At the same time, we can all help support the people in our lives by learning the warning signs, understanding risk and protective factors, and knowing how to respond in a crisis.
Keep reading to learn steps that you can take to support those in crisis, and yourself.
Know the Risk Factors
Risk factors don’t guarantee someone will attempt suicide, but they can increase vulnerability. Some of the most common risk factors include:
Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or substance use
History of trauma or abuse
Chronic pain or serious health issues
Previous suicide attempt(s)
Isolation or lack of social support
Major stressors such as relationship problems, financial strain, or job loss
Access to lethal means (firearms, medications, etc.)
👉 Why this matters: Being aware of these factors can help us approach friends, family, or colleagues with extra care and attention.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Sometimes changes are subtle, and other times they are more obvious. Warning signs can include:
Talking about wanting to die or feeling hopeless
Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities
Sudden changes in mood; especially rage, agitation, or extreme sadness
Giving away belongings or saying “goodbye” in unusual ways
Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Sleeping too much or too little
Saying things like, “Everyone would be better off without me.”
👉 If you notice these signs, don’t ignore them. Trust your gut and reach out.
What You Can Do: 3 Simple Steps
You don’t need special training to support someone. Small, caring actions can save lives.
Notice
Pay attention to changes in behavior, language, or mood. If something feels off, it probably is.Ask
Be direct and compassionate. You might say:“You haven’t seemed yourself lately. How are you really doing?”
“You’ve been on my mind a lot. How are you holding up?”
“Just checking in. How’s today going?”
“Sometimes when people feel this way, they think about suicide. Are you thinking about ending your life?”
👉 Remember: Asking about suicide does not put the idea in someone’s head. It opens the door to life-saving conversations.
Listen
Be fully present. Let them talk without judgment or interruption. Resist the urge to “fix” things. Just showing up and listening is often the most powerful support we can provide.
If you believe someone is in immediate danger, don’t leave them alone. Call 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Encouraging Protective Factors
Protective factors are the things that buffer against suicide risk and build resilience. We can all play a role in helping someone in crisis connect with these protective factors, and we can also practice them ourselves to support our own mental health.
Connection
For others: Invite someone to join you for coffee, a walk, or a community gathering. A simple invitation can ease loneliness and remind them they’re not alone.
For yourself: Nurture your own relationships by checking in with friends, making time for family, and joining groups. Strong bonds build a sense of belonging and support.
Access to care
For others: Share resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or local support groups. Offer to sit with them while they call 988, or even go with them to their first support group meeting.
For yourself: Keep a list of resources handy for when you feel overwhelmed, whether it’s your doctor, a therapist, or a trusted friend. Knowing where to turn can make reaching out feel easier.
Healthy coping strategies
For others: Model healthy habits and suggest low-pressure activities you could do together, like taking a walk, cooking a meal, or trying a mindfulness app.
For yourself: Practice daily coping tools that you resonate with most, like journaling, exercise, or socialization. Even small routines can help you manage stress before it builds up.
Sense of purpose
For others: Encourage them to engage in activities that bring meaning like volunteering, creative projects, or reconnecting with faith or hobbies. Offer to explore new opportunities together.
For yourself: Reflect on what gives your life meaning, whether it’s your work, relationships, or personal passions. Investing time in purpose-driven activities can lift mood and strengthen resilience.
Supportive environments
For others: Create safe spaces where talking about mental health is welcome. Whether at home, work, or school, you can help normalize open and nonjudgmental conversations.
For yourself: Seek out groups and communities where mental health is valued and stigma is challenged. Surrounding yourself with supportive people helps you feel seen and understood.
Remember:
You don’t have to be a mental health professional to make an impact. Being willing to notice, ask, and listen can change, or save, someone’s life.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Free, confidential help is available 24/7.
Together, we can break the silence, fight the stigma, and build a culture where hope and help are always within reach.