Suicide Prevention
Even in your darkest moments, there is still hope
If you are hurting so much that you have thought about ending your life, I am really glad you are here reading this. The pain you feel is real, and it can feel like it will never end. But feelings, even the heaviest ones, can change. There is still hope, there is still support, and there are still people who care about you and want you here.
Help Is Available Right Now, 24/7
You don't have to wait, and you don't have to be alone tonight.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. Free, confidential, any time. For Spanish, press 2 or text AYUDA to 988.
- Veterans & service members: call 988 and press 1, or text 838255.
- Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741.
- LGBTQ+ young people: The Trevor Project, 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678.
- Trans peers: Trans Lifeline, 1-877-565-8860.
- Immediate danger: call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
A Message to You
You are not a burden, and you are not alone
When you are in deep pain, your mind can tell you things that are not true: that nothing will ever get better, that no one would understand, or that the people in your life would be better off without you. Those thoughts are symptoms of how much you are carrying. They are not the truth about you.
People who have been exactly where you are have found their way through. Many of them will tell you that reaching out, even when it felt impossible, was the moment things started to turn. You are worthy of that same care, support, and love. You don't have to have the words figured out. "I'm not okay" is enough to start.
Getting Through Right Now
Small steps that can help in this moment
You don't have to solve everything tonight. The goal is just to get through the next hour, and then the next.
Reach out to one person
Call or text 988, a friend, a family member, or anyone you trust. You can simply say, "I'm having a really hard time and I don't want to be alone."
Put distance between you and danger
If there is anything nearby you might use to hurt yourself, ask someone to hold onto it for now, or go somewhere else that feels safer.
Stay with someone
Be around another person if you can, in person, on the phone, or by text, until the worst of the feeling passes.
Wait, and breathe
Intense urges often rise and then ease. Slow breathing, stepping outside, a cold glass of water, or a favorite song can help you ride the wave.
Worried About Someone?
Warning signs to take seriously
Any of these, especially if they are new or getting worse, are a reason to reach out.
What they say
Talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless or trapped, having no reason to live, or being a burden to others.
What they do
Pulling away from people, drinking or using more, giving away belongings, saying goodbye, or looking for ways to hurt themselves.
How they seem
Big mood changes, deep sadness, anxiety, agitation, anger, or a sudden calm after a very dark stretch.
What you can do
Ask directly: "Are you thinking about suicide?" Asking does not put the idea in their head. Listen without judgment, stay with them, and help them call or text 988.
How Counseling Can Help
Hope is something we can build together
Counseling offers a steady, judgment-free place to talk about the pain underneath these thoughts, whether it comes from depression, trauma, grief, substance use, rejection, or years of carrying too much alone. Together we can create a personal safety plan, strengthen your reasons for living, and build support that lasts beyond any single hard night.
Safety is part of every new client conversation here, and it is always asked about with care and respect. If you or someone you love is struggling, you can reach out through the Contact Us Securely button. Please remember that this practice is not a crisis service. If you are in danger right now, call or text 988 or call 911.