5 Ways to Help During National Suicide Prevention Week (and Beyond)

A young woman shares five ways people can help during National Suicide Prevention Week.

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5 Ways to Help During National Suicide Prevention Week (and Beyond)

1. Say the S word.

Suicide. Yes, it can be uncomfortable to talk about.

The more you practice saying the word, the less uncomfortable it becomes.

2. Be mindful of your language.

Be aware of saying things like, “That makes me want to kill myself,” when you really mean, “That made me frustrated.”

3. Avoid saying “commited suicide.”

Replace that outdated phrase with “died by suicide” instead.

By switching our words, we acknowledge people who die by suicide should be treated with dignity.

4. Ask if someone is OK.

Your question could be lifesaving.

5. Put these numbers in your phone.

You may need these one day for a friend, or yourself.

Life-threatening emergencies (USA): 911

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741-741

Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386

Written By Morgan Rondinelli