suicide threats: what to do
overview
if the person has a plan to harm themself or someone else, call 911
where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
if you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away.
- call or text canada's suicide and crisis hotline at 988.
- call talk suicide canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645 (4 p.m. to midnight et).
- kids or teens can call kids help phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text connect to 686868.
- go to the talk suicide canada website at https://talksuicide.ca or the kids help phone website at https://kidshelpphone.ca for more information.
consider saving these numbers in your phone.
other things you can do
- consider your own safety. if you feel safe, stay with the person, or ask someone you trust to stay with them, until help arrives.
- talk about the situation as openly as possible. tell the person that you don't want them to die or to harm another person.
- show understanding and compassion. don't argue with the person or deny their feelings. arguing with the person may only increase their feeling of being out of control of their life.
credits
current as of: june 24, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
current as of: june 24, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
