If you are thinking about suicide right now: call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, free and confidential, 24/7. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Most people who die by suicide show warning signs beforehand, and most people who are struggling want someone to notice - even when they can't say it directly. Knowing what to look for, and how to ask, genuinely saves lives.
The Numbers
- Suicide is a leading cause of death in the U.S. among people aged 10-34, per the CDC
- Texas has seen its 988 call, text, and chat volume grow every year since the line launched - a sign more people are reaching out, not that the problem is only getting worse
- Research consistently shows that asking someone directly about suicide does not plant the idea or increase risk - it opens the door to help
Warning Signs
- Talking about wanting to die, being a burden, or having no reason to live
- Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities they used to care about
- Giving away possessions, saying goodbye, or getting affairs in order without an obvious reason
- Increased substance use, or sudden calm after a period of depression - sometimes a sign a decision has been made
- Dramatic changes in sleep, either much more or much less than usual
How to Ask
Ask directly and calmly: "Are you thinking about suicide?" Not "you're not thinking of hurting yourself, are you?" - a direct question is easier to answer honestly than one that pressures a reassuring reply. If the answer is yes, stay with them, listen without arguing or minimizing, and help them connect to 988 or a mental health provider rather than trying to solve it alone in that moment.
What Safety Planning Actually Involves
A safety plan is a short, personal, written plan - not a one-time conversation - built with a counselor, crisis line, or trusted provider. It typically covers:
- Personal warning signs - the specific thoughts, moods, or situations that signal risk is rising for that person
- Coping strategies - things that have helped before, without needing to call anyone
- People and places - who to reach out to, and where to go, for distraction or support
- Professional contacts - therapist, doctor, and crisis line numbers in one place
- Means restriction - temporarily reducing access to firearms, medications, or other lethal means during a high-risk period, which is one of the most evidence-backed ways to reduce suicide risk
988 can help build a safety plan over the phone even if you're not in immediate crisis - you don't need to wait for an emergency to call.