Know the Signs
Watch for these key suicide warning signs, and provide the Lifeline number to anyone exhibiting them.

• Acting in a reckless or risky way
• Alcohol or substance abuse
• Dramatic mood swings
• Feeling trapped, like there is no way out
• Giving away possessions
• Hopelessness
• Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge
• Saying or feeling there is no reason for living.
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself
• Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide
• Trying to get pills, guns, or other ways to harm oneself
• Withdrawing from friends and family.

If you are experiencing any of these warning signs now, ask for help by calling
9-1-1
Or to speak with someone
1-800-273-TALK (8255) NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE
or a mental health professional.

General Guidance for Suicide Intervention

• DO:
• Start intervention immediately once the threat has been identified
• Be patient, calm and flexible
• Help guide the individual in defining the problem
• Explore possible solutions.
• Provide the individual with reasons to live
• Get help
• DON’T:
• Promise what you cannot guarantee
• Argue with the individual
• Leave the person alone.
• Go it alone.

1-800-273-TALK (8255) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-TALK (8255), Veterans Press 1 for Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline

Telephone Numbers for More Information on Receiving Help

U.S. Veterans Administration Houston Area Service Centers

Other Resources:

• 1-800-273-TALK (8255) èNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides access to trained telephone counselors.
• American Association of Suicidology is an education and resource organization
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is an organization dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education and advocacy, and to reaching out to people with mental disorders and those impacted by suicide.
• National Mental Health Association - a nonprofit dedicated to helping people live mentally healthier lives.
• Suicide Prevention Resource Center - provides prevention support, training, and resources to assist organizations and individuals to develop suicide prevention programs, interventions and policies, and to advance the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.
• U.S. Veterans Administration – Office of Mental Health Services mission is to maintain and improve the health and well-being of veterans through excellence in health care, social services, education, and research.

(Source: Suicide Prevention, U.S. Veterans Administration at http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/index.asp)