The Lifeline Network answers thousands of calls from people in emotional distress. There are many reasons for their calls. Please call for any of the following reasons:

• Anyone who feels sad, hopeless, or suicidal.
• Family and friends who are concerned about a loved one.
• Anyone interested in mental health treatment and service referrals.

• When you dial 1-800-273-TALK, you are calling the crisis center in the Lifeline network closest to your location. To find out what center is closest to you search the Crisis Center Locator.
• Lifeline's service is free and confidential.
• The hotline is staffed by trained counselors.
• We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• We have information about mental health services in your area that can help you.

• You will hear a message saying you have reached the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
• You will hear hold music while your call is being routed.
• You will be helped by a trained crisis worker.
• You will be given mental health services referrals if needed.

• Dial1-800-273-TALK (8255).
• If you are a TTY user, please use our TTY number:1-800-799-4TTY (4889).
• Para obtener asistencia en español durante las 24 horas, llame al1-888-628-9454.

If you see someone online who is suicidal, there are several steps you can take to help this person:

• Give him or her a helpful resource – Send 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and our website www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Tell him/her we are available 24/7 for anyone in suicidal crisis in the United States
  
• Take his/her words seriously and respond with compassion
  
• Encourage him/her to reach out for help to a friend, family member, counselor, clergy and other community members
  
• If the person online is saying he/she is going to kill him or herself at that moment or is in the process of attempting suicide, please try to find his/her location and call the local police or 911.
  

• Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide.
• Be willing to listen. Allow expressions of feelings. Accept the feelings.
• Be non-judgmental. Don't debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or whether feelings are good or bad. Don't lecture on the value of life.
• Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.
• Don't dare him or her to do it.
• Don't act shocked. This will put distance between you.
• Don't be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.
• Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance.
• Take action. Remove means, such as guns or stockpiled pills.
• Get help from persons or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.

Many people at some time in their lives think about suicide. Most decide to live because they eventually come to realize that the crisis is temporary and death is permanent. On the other hand, people having a crisis sometimes perceive their dilemma as inescapable and feel an utter loss of control. These are some of the feelings and thoughts they experience:

• Can't stop the pain
• Can't think clearly
• Can't make decisions
• Can't see any way out
• Can't sleep, eat or work
• Can't get out of depression
• Can't make the sadness go away
• Can't see a future without pain
• Can't see themselves as worthwhile
• Can't get someone's attention
• Can't seem to get control

If you experience these feelings,get help!If someone you know exhibits these symptoms,offer help!

This content was developed by the American Association of Suicidology.