Need help now? Call 988

Quick exit
For friends and family

Help someone you're worried about

You don't need to be an expert to help. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline recommends five action steps for reaching someone who may be in crisis.

Five action steps35

  1. Ask. Ask them directly: "Are you thinking about suicide?" Asking shows you're willing to talk about it without judging them.
  2. Be there. Show up for them, in person, by phone, or in other ways that show support. Only promise what you can actually follow through on.
  3. Help keep them safe. If they are thinking about suicide, find out what you need to know to keep them safe right now, including reducing access to things like firearms and medications.
  4. Help them connect. Help them link up with ongoing support, like the 988 Lifeline and resources in their community, so they have a safety net in a crisis.
  5. Follow up. After they've been connected to support, check back in. Leave a message, send a text, or give them a call to see how they're doing.

Learn more about each step, and the evidence behind them, from the 988 Lifeline's #BeThe1To guide.

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. You can also call or text 988 yourself for advice on how to help someone else.

Where to reach out

See all support options

Mental health or suicidal crisis, including if you're worried about someone else

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Free and confidential. ASL via videophone.11

Call or text 988
Mental health support by text, anywhere in the U.S.

Crisis Text Line

Text HOME to 741741 or chat at connect.crisistextline.org. Free and confidential, with trained volunteer crisis counselors. En español: text HOLA to 741741.31

Chat online
Abuse or an unsafe relationship

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text START to 88788, or chat at thehotline.org. Free and confidential.12

Call 1-800-799-7233