If you or someone you know has suicidal thoughts, a vital resource is just a phone call away at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255; 1-888-628-9454 in Spanish). Callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline are routed to a local crisis center, staffed by trained crisis workers.
The service is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week (and is not limited to people with suicidal thoughts but rather can be used by anyone who would like to talk about any type of life stress or emotional issue). The volunteer counselor will listen, offer support, share resources, and, if desired, put the caller in direct contact with a local person or agency.
According to the CDC, suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. in 2019, claiming more than 47,500 lives. In addition, more than 12 million people seriously considered suicide, with 3.5 million making a plan and 1.4 million making an attempt.
Online resources can be found at the websites of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and bethe1to.com.
