If you are in crisis, call or text 988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7 | Text HOME to 741741 for Crisis Text Line

CRISIS SUPPORT & PREVENTION

You AreNot Alone

Whatever you are going through right now — pain, darkness, hopelessness — there are people who care, and help is available every hour of every day.

HopeLine is an independent resource guide, not a crisis service. Calls, texts, and chat go to the named providers. This website is not monitored for emergencies.

📞 Call 988 Now Find Support →

988

Crisis Lifeline

24/7

Always Available

Free

Confidential Help

U.S.

Resource Guide

💙You matterYour life has value

🌟988 LifelineCall anytime, 24/7

🤝Not aloneCounselors waiting

✨Hope existsRecovery is real

IMMEDIATE HELP

Crisis & Support Resources

These U.S. services offer different kinds of support. Availability varies: peer-support and information lines are not all crisis services or open around the clock. Use the provider that fits your needs.

☎️

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 to reach a trained crisis counselor. Free, confidential, 24/7.

Call 988 Now →

💬

Crisis Text Line

Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor via text — no voice call required.

Text 741741 →

🌐

Veterans Crisis Line

Call 988 then press 1, or text 838255. Dedicated support for veterans and service members.

Call 988 → Press 1

🏳️

Trans Lifeline

Peer support for transgender people by transgender people. US: 877-565-8860. Monday–Friday, 1–9 p.m. Eastern; scheduled closures may apply.

Call Now →

🌈

Trevor Project (LGBTQ+)

Crisis intervention for LGBTQ+ youth. Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678.

Get Help →

🧠

NAMI HelpLine

National Alliance on Mental Illness — information and peer support, not a crisis line. 1-800-950-NAMI. Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Eastern, excluding federal holidays.

Contact NAMI →

HOPE IS REAL

A Path Forward

Recovery is possible

You are not alone

New beginnings

Find your strength

Community heals

GUIDED SUPPORT

Videos to Help You Through This

Educational videos with verified titles and creators. They do not replace personal care or crisis support. YouTube loads when you open a video; choose play when ready, and stop if a video feels uncomfortable.

KNOW THE SIGNS

Warning Signs to Watch For

These changes may signal that someone needs help, especially when they are new or increasing. Read NIMH warning-sign guidance.

Talking About Death

Saying things like "I want to die," "I wish I was never born," or "Everyone would be better off without me."

Withdrawal

Pulling away from friends, family, and activities they used to enjoy. Increased isolation and loneliness.

Giving Away Belongings

Giving away meaningful possessions, saying goodbyes, or getting affairs in order without a clear reason.

Extreme Mood Changes

Large or sudden mood changes, including a shift from deep sadness to unusual calm, can be a reason to check in.

Planning or Preparing

Making a suicide plan or taking steps to prepare for self-harm requires prompt attention.

Hopelessness

Expressing that things will never get better, that there is no point in trying, or that nothing matters anymore.

YOUR SAFETY PLAN

Create Your Personal Safety Plan

A safety plan records warning signs, coping options, people and services to contact, and ways to make your surroundings safer. Consider completing it with a trusted person or mental health professional. SAMHSA safety-plan worksheet (PDF).

Recognize Your Warning Signs

Identify the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that signal a crisis is developing for you personally.

Use Internal Coping Strategies

Identify things you can do on your own to take your mind off the crisis — distraction, self-care, movement.

People & Places for Distraction

List people and social settings that can help you take your mind off a crisis.

Contact People Who Can Help

Reach out to trusted people who know about your struggles and can provide direct support during a crisis.

Contact Professionals or Crisis Services

Call 988, go to the nearest emergency room, or contact your therapist or psychiatrist.

Make Your Environment Safer

With support from someone you trust, plan ways to reduce access to items or places that could be dangerous during a crisis.

My Personal Safety Plan

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My personal warning signs are...

When I feel this way, I can try...

People or places that help distract me

People I can contact for support...

Professionals and services I can contact

Steps to make my environment safer

My reasons for living are...

SUPPORT CAN HELP

Finding Hope & Connection

Recovery is possible, and support can make a difference. These are practical reminders, not personal testimonials.

You can reach out

Tell someone you trust how you are feeling. You do not need to manage distress alone.

Care can be personal

A qualified mental health professional can help you explore care and support suited to your situation.

Stay connected

Supportive, ongoing contact can matter after a crisis. Make room for check-ins with people who care about you.

Source: NIMH: five action steps for helping someone in emotional pain.

SUPPORTING OTHERS

Helping a Loved One

If you are concerned about someone, your support matters enormously. Here is how you can help.

What To Do

These approaches can open the door to conversation and show your loved one they are not alone.

Ask directly — "Are you thinking about suicide?"
Listen with care and without judgment
Help them stay safe by reducing access to dangerous items or places, with trusted or professional support
Help them reach a trusted person, mental health professional, or crisis service
Keep checking in after the immediate crisis

What To Avoid

Well-meaning words can sometimes make things worse. Avoid these common mistakes.

Do not say "You have so much to live for"
Do not promise to keep it secret
Do not leave them alone in a crisis
Do not debate whether suicide is right or wrong
Do not act shocked or dismissive
Do not challenge them to prove it

BREAKING STIGMA

Myths vs Facts

Myth: Talking about it plants the idea

✓ Asking directly about suicide does not cause or increase suicidal thoughts. A direct, caring conversation can help someone get support.

Myth: People who talk about it never do it

✓ Talk about wanting to die or feeling like a burden is a warning sign. Take it seriously and help the person connect with support.

Myth: It is selfish or a choice

✓ Suicidal thoughts can occur during severe distress. Respond with compassion and help the person reach support.

Myth: Once suicidal, always suicidal

✓ Suicidal thoughts can change. Treatment, supportive contact, and a safety plan can help; there is no single course or guaranteed outcome for everyone.