“I can’t imagine living the rest of my life like this.”

Things People Said That Were Actually Code for ‘I’m Suicidal’

I just want to be alone.

“Losing interest in things I love always should be a sign to others I am not handling myself well.”

I just want to be done.

“This gets understood as wanting how I’m feeling at that point to be over, when I’m actually talking about life itself.”

I’m just tired.

“Not physically tired, but emotionally. I’m just exhausted.”

I’m having a hard time.

“But mostly I’m silent, and that’s what concerns me and others.”

I don’t care.

“I’m completely consumed by suicidal thoughts and don’t have the mental energy to spare for other things.”

You know I love you, right?

“It’s my subtle cry for help without saying, ‘I want to die.’”

I want to disappear.

“‘I just feel like disappearing’ when I mean I want to end this suffering.”

Sometimes when someone is feeling suicidal, they won’t come right out and say it.

We can save lives by looking past the code words.

Don’t be afraid to ask a loved one how they are, or if they’re thinking of suicide.

If you or someone you know needs help, please reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling (800) 273-8255. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting “HOME” to 741-741.