Warning Signs of Suicide: How to Notice When Someone May Need Help

Sometimes concern begins with something small.

A friend stops answering messages. A family member seems unusually withdrawn. Someone who has been struggling begins talking as though nothing will ever improve. A person starts drinking more, sleeping differently, or saying things that leave you wondering whether they are safe.

It can be difficult to know what those changes mean—and even harder to decide what to say.

Learning the warning signs of suicide cannot tell you with certainty what another person is thinking. It can, however, help you recognize when someone may be experiencing significant emotional distress and when it is appropriate to check in, ask directly about suicide, or help them connect with professional support.

You do not need to be a mental health professional to show concern. You also do not need to manage a possible suicide crisis by yourself.

If You Need Support Right Now

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, a mental health crisis, or a substance use crisis, call or text 988 or use the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline chat.

The 988 Lifeline is available throughout the United States 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. People can contact 988 for themselves or because they are worried about someone they care about. Support is free, and conversations are confidential.

If someone is in immediate physical danger, an attempt is occurring, or there is another medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

What Can Suicide Warning Signs Look Like?

There is no single way a person experiencing suicidal thoughts will look or behave.

Some people speak openly about wanting to die. Others communicate their distress less directly. Changes may appear in what they say, how they behave, how they relate to other people, or how they respond to a painful event or major life change.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline recommends paying particular attention when concerning behaviors are new, becoming more frequent or intense, or appear connected to a painful event, loss, or significant change.

A warning sign is not a diagnosis, and observing one does not prove that someone intends to attempt suicide. The purpose of recognizing warning signs is not to label someone. It is to notice when a person may need additional care and support.

How to Help Someone Suicidal?


Listen to What the Person Is Saying

Sometimes emotional pain shows up in a person’s words before it is obvious in other ways.

Take notice when someone repeatedly talks about:

  • Wanting to die or not wanting to be alive.
  • Feeling as though there is no reason to keep living.
  • Believing the future will never improve.
  • Feeling trapped or unable to see a way through their circumstances.
  • Experiencing emotional or physical pain that feels unbearable.
  • Believing they are a burden.
  • Thinking that the people they care about would be better off without them.

These comments should not automatically be dismissed because someone says them casually, jokingly, or during an argument.

You do not have to decide whether they “really mean it” before responding compassionately.

Instead, create space for them to explain what they are experiencing.

Pay Attention to Changes in Behavior

Words are only part of the picture. Significant changes in someone’s usual behavior may also indicate distress.

The 988 Lifeline identifies possible warning signs that include withdrawing or isolating from others, substantially changing sleep patterns, behaving recklessly, appearing unusually anxious or agitated, increasing alcohol or drug use, displaying intense rage, or experiencing extreme shifts in mood.

The key word is often change.

One person may naturally spend a great deal of time alone. Another may normally be highly social. A sudden shift away from someone’s usual pattern may tell you more than comparing their behavior with what you think distress is “supposed” to look like.

You do not need to determine which mental health condition might explain the behavior. A qualified clinician should make diagnostic assessments.

Your role can simply be to notice that something seems different and ask how the person is doing.

Emotional Changes Can Matter Too

A person who is struggling may appear increasingly:

  • Hopeless.
  • Anxious or overwhelmed.
  • Agitated.
  • Emotionally disconnected.
  • Isolated.
  • Trapped by their circumstances.
  • Unable to imagine their situation changing.

Extreme changes in mood can also warrant attention.

Not everyone experiencing these emotions is suicidal. At the same time, you do not have to wait until you are certain someone is at risk before starting a caring conversation.

Sometimes a simple observation can open the door:

“You haven’t seemed like yourself lately, and I’ve been thinking about you. How are you doing?”

Warning Signs and Risk Factors Are Not the Same Thing

The terms suicide warning signs and suicide risk factors are sometimes used interchangeably, but they describe different things.

A warning sign may suggest that a person is experiencing significant distress in the present.

A risk factor is a circumstance or characteristic associated with increased vulnerability over time.

Risk is complex. Suicide should not be attributed to one breakup, one relapse, one diagnosis, one financial problem, or one difficult experience.

Similarly, having a risk factor does not mean a person will attempt suicide.

Mental health professionals consider multiple aspects of a person’s circumstances when evaluating suicide risk. Friends and family members should avoid attempting to perform their own clinical assessment.

What you can do is take concerning changes seriously and help the person reach appropriate support.

What People Often Get Wrong About Suicide Warning Signs

Misinformation about suicide can make an already uncomfortable conversation more difficult.

“Someone who talks about suicide probably isn’t actually going to do it.”

Talking about suicide should be taken seriously.

Rather than deciding whether someone is seeking attention or “being dramatic,” try to understand what is behind the statement.

Someone communicating distress deserves the opportunity to be heard.

“I should wait until I’m sure they’re suicidal before saying anything.”

You do not need proof.

If something concerns you, checking in respectfully is reasonable. You can ask how the person has been feeling and, when appropriate, ask directly whether they have been thinking about suicide.

“Asking directly about suicide could put the idea in someone’s head.”

This is a persistent misconception.

The National Institute of Mental Health states that research does not show that asking someone whether they are thinking about suicide increases suicidal thoughts or behavior. Directly asking can instead help begin an important conversation.

“If they say they’re okay, I shouldn’t bring it up again.”

One conversation may not tell you everything.

If concerning behavior continues, it can be appropriate to check in again. Continued connection can be especially important after someone has experienced a crisis or returned home from treatment.

“I have to know exactly what to say.”

You don’t.

Compassion, clarity, and a willingness to listen are more useful than searching for the perfect sentence.

How Do You Ask Someone If They Are Thinking About Suicide?

It is understandable to feel nervous about this conversation.

You may worry that the person will become upset, that you will embarrass them, or that you will make the situation worse.

Direct language is generally preferable to vague questions.

You might say:

“I’ve noticed that you’ve been going through a lot lately. Have you been thinking about suicide?”

Or:

“When you say you don’t want to be here anymore, do you mean you’ve been thinking about ending your life?”

Or simply:

“I’m concerned about you. Are you thinking about suicide?”

NIMH specifically recommends asking directly and notes that studies do not show an increase in suicidal thoughts or behavior from doing so.

If the person says yes, you do not need to become their therapist or conduct your own suicide risk assessment.

Listen, take what they tell you seriously, and help them connect with a trained professional or crisis counselor.

What Helps During the Conversation?

When someone shares something frightening or painful, our instinct is often to immediately make it better.

We reassure.

We give advice.

We point out reasons they should feel differently.

We remind them of everyone who loves them.

Those responses may come from genuine care, but a person in severe emotional distress may first need to feel heard.

Try to focus on listening.

Statements such as these can create more room for conversation:

“That sounds incredibly difficult.”

“Thank you for telling me.”

“I want to understand what you’ve been dealing with.”

“I’m taking what you’re saying seriously.”

“We can find someone who can help us with this.”

In contrast, minimizing statements can unintentionally shut down the conversation.

Try to avoid responses such as:

“You have so much to be grateful for.”

“Other people have it worse.”

“You wouldn’t really do that.”

“Stop talking like that.”

“You’re only saying this for attention.”

You do not have to agree with how someone sees their circumstances to acknowledge that their pain feels very real to them.

Five Evidence-Informed Ways to Respond

NIMH organizes suicide-prevention guidance around five practical actions: Ask, Be There, Help Keep Them Safe, Help Them Connect, and Follow Up.

1. Ask Clearly

If you are concerned about suicide, ask about suicide.

Give the person space to answer rather than immediately reassuring them or trying to change the subject.

2. Stay Connected

Being present can mean sitting beside someone, remaining on the phone, staying connected through text or video, or helping bring another trusted person into the conversation when appropriate.

Being there does not mean accepting sole responsibility for the person’s safety.

Professional support should be involved when it is needed.

3. Prioritize Immediate Safety

When there is a serious safety concern, the priority is getting the person through the immediate crisis and connecting them with qualified help.

If there is immediate physical danger or a medical emergency, contact 911 or seek emergency medical care.

Avoid putting yourself in danger while trying to help someone else.

4. Help Them Reach Support

You may be able to help the person contact:

  • The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
  • Their therapist or psychiatrist.
  • A physician or other healthcare professional.
  • Their existing treatment program.
  • A trusted family member or supportive friend.
  • Another appropriate behavioral health resource.

You can also contact 988 yourself if you are worried about someone else.

5. Check In Again

Support does not necessarily stop when the immediate crisis ends.

NIMH notes that ongoing supportive contact after a suicide-related crisis or discharge from care can play an important role in suicide prevention.

A short message days later—“I’ve been thinking about you. How have you been?”—can communicate that the conversation was not forgotten.

Should You Call 988 or 911?

It is easy to feel uncertain about which resource to use when emotions are high.

Contact 988 for Behavioral Health and Crisis Support

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 support for people experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, mental health concerns, and substance use-related crises.

A person does not need to be on the verge of a suicide attempt to contact 988.

In fact, SAMHSA emphasizes that people can use 988 for a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, loneliness, relationship difficulties, trauma, drug or alcohol concerns, emotional distress, or simply needing someone to talk with.

You can call or text 988 or use the Lifeline’s online chat.

Contact 911 or Emergency Medical Services for Immediate Danger

Call 911 or seek emergency medical attention when someone is in immediate physical danger or experiencing a medical emergency.

If you are uncertain about a behavioral health situation that is not an immediate medical emergency, 988 can help you discuss the situation with a trained crisis counselor.

When Substance Use and Mental Health Concerns Overlap

Alcohol and drug use can complicate mental health concerns.

The 988 Lifeline includes increasing alcohol or drug use among the possible warning signs that deserve attention, particularly when the change occurs alongside other signs of emotional distress.

That does not mean substance use alone proves someone is suicidal.

However, mental health conditions and substance use disorders frequently need to be considered together rather than treated as unrelated problems.

For example, someone may be coping with depression while also using alcohol heavily. Another person may experience worsening anxiety alongside drug use. Someone returning to substance use after a period of recovery may also be experiencing shame, isolation, or significant emotional distress.

These situations deserve compassion rather than judgment.

After immediate safety concerns have been addressed, a licensed behavioral health professional can evaluate whether treatment should address substance use, mental health symptoms, or both.

A Note About Detox and Withdrawal

If someone is physically dependent on alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other substances, abruptly stopping without clinical guidance may carry withdrawal risks.

Home detox is not appropriate for everyone. Depending on the substance, amount and duration of use, medical history, medications, and other factors, supervised withdrawal management may be necessary.

A qualified healthcare professional should evaluate detox needs. This article should not be used as instructions for managing withdrawal at home.

First City Recovery Center describes a continuum of addiction services in Kokomo, Indiana, including medically supported detox, residential treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient treatment, and outpatient care. Its outpatient services also include support for co-occurring substance use and mental health conditions.

Individual treatment needs and outcomes vary, and the appropriate level of care should be determined through professional assessment.

September 2026 Suicide Prevention and Recovery Awareness Dates

September creates several opportunities to talk more openly about mental health, suicide prevention, substance use, treatment, and recovery.

Awareness campaigns cannot replace clinical care, but they can help people learn where support is available and make difficult subjects easier to discuss.

National Suicide Prevention Month — September

September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention uses the month to encourage education, community involvement, conversations about mental health, and practical suicide-prevention efforts.

For families, awareness can begin with simple actions: learn common warning signs, save 988 in your phone, check in when someone seems different, and become comfortable asking directly about suicide when you are concerned.

National Suicide Prevention Week — September 6–12, 2026

In 2026, National Suicide Prevention Week is September 6 through September 12. AFSP lists these dates as part of its 2026 national awareness calendar.

The week can be an opportunity to move beyond general awareness and learn specific ways to support someone experiencing emotional distress.

988 Day — September 8

September 8 is 988 Day, a national awareness initiative led by SAMHSA to increase understanding of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

For 2026, SAMHSA’s theme is “988 Reasons: Your reason is reason enough.”

The message is important because 988 is not reserved only for people who believe they are at the most severe point of a crisis. People can reach out for mental health, emotional, substance use, or suicide-related support.

World Suicide Prevention Day — September 10

World Suicide Prevention Day is observed on September 10.

The World Health Organization’s 2024–2026 theme is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” with the call to action “Start the Conversation.”

The campaign focuses on reducing stigma, challenging harmful misconceptions, and creating environments where people feel safer speaking openly about suicide and seeking help.

That message has an everyday application.

Starting the conversation can be as simple as noticing that someone is struggling, asking a direct question, listening without judgment, and helping them reach support.

September Is Also National Recovery Month

September is also National Recovery Month, an observance coordinated by SAMHSA that recognizes recovery from substance use and mental health conditions while supporting evidence-based treatment, recovery services, families, communities, and the professionals who provide care.

For behavioral health organizations, the overlap between Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention Month is meaningful.

Substance use, mental health, suicide prevention, treatment, and recovery are not always separate conversations. People may experience several of these concerns at the same time, and effective care should consider the whole person.

National Addiction Professionals Day — September 20

National Addiction Professionals Day is observed each September 20 and recognizes professionals working across addiction treatment, prevention, harm reduction, and recovery services. NAADAC established the observance to recognize the work of addiction professionals.

For people receiving care, these professionals may include counselors, therapists, behavioral health clinicians, peer-support professionals, case managers, and others who contribute to an individual’s treatment and recovery support.

When Is It Time to Seek Professional Help?

You do not need to wait for a crisis before involving a mental health professional.

Consider encouraging professional evaluation when emotional, behavioral, mental health, or substance use concerns:

  • Are becoming more intense.
  • Are interfering with work, school, relationships, sleep, or daily responsibilities.
  • Persist despite support from friends or family.
  • Include suicidal thoughts or statements.
  • Occur alongside escalating alcohol or drug use.
  • Return repeatedly after previous treatment or periods of stability.
  • Make the person feel unable to cope safely on their own.

Licensed mental health and medical professionals can assess concerns in context and discuss what type of support may be appropriate.

When Comparing Behavioral Health Treatment Options, What Should Families Look For?

Once an immediate crisis has been stabilized, choosing ongoing treatment can raise another set of questions.

Rather than focusing only on amenities or marketing claims, look at the clinical structure of the program.

Consider asking:

  • Is the program appropriately licensed?
  • Who provides medical and psychiatric care?
  • Can clinicians evaluate both substance use and mental health symptoms?
  • Is medically supervised detox available when clinically indicated?
  • What levels of care are available?
  • How does the program determine which level of care a person needs?
  • Are individual, group, and family services available when appropriate?
  • How are co-occurring mental health and substance use concerns addressed?
  • How does discharge and continuing-care planning work?
  • What happens if the person’s clinical needs change during treatment?

No treatment program can guarantee a particular outcome. Recovery and mental health treatment are individualized processes, and results vary.

A thorough clinical assessment can help determine whether detox, residential treatment, outpatient care, psychiatric services, therapy, or another level of support may be appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Warning Signs of Suicide

Does one warning sign mean someone is suicidal?

No. A single behavior or statement cannot confirm that someone is suicidal.

However, you also do not need to wait until several warning signs appear before checking in. A concerning statement or meaningful change from someone’s normal behavior can be enough reason to ask how they are doing.

How can I ask someone about suicide without making things worse?

Use calm, direct language.

For example: “I’ve been concerned about you. Have you been thinking about suicide?”

Research summarized by NIMH indicates that directly asking about suicide does not increase suicidal thoughts or behavior.

What if someone tells me they are thinking about suicide?

Stay as calm as you can, listen without judgment, and take what they say seriously.

Help the person connect with professional support. Call or text 988 or use the 988 Lifeline chat. You can contact 988 together or contact the Lifeline yourself because you are worried about them.

If there is immediate physical danger or a medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical care.

Can I contact 988 about a family member or friend?

Yes.

SAMHSA states that people can call, text, or chat with 988 because they are concerned about a loved one who may need crisis support.

Is 988 only for suicidal thoughts?

No.

988 also supports people dealing with emotional distress, mental health concerns, substance use problems, loneliness, relationship difficulties, trauma, anxiety, depression, and other behavioral health concerns.

Can increased alcohol or drug use be a warning sign?

Increasing alcohol or drug use is included among the warning signs identified by the 988 Lifeline.

Substance use by itself does not mean someone is suicidal. When increased use occurs alongside hopelessness, withdrawal from others, suicidal statements, severe emotional pain, or other significant changes, professional evaluation is appropriate.

What if I said the wrong thing when someone opened up to me?

You can return to the conversation.

You might say:

“I’ve been thinking about what you told me earlier. I don’t think I responded the way I wanted to, but I care about how you’re doing. Can we talk again?”

Support does not require perfection.

Sometimes the Most Important First Step Is Simply Not Looking Away

Recognizing the warning signs of suicide is not about learning to diagnose another person.

It is about noticing.

It is about taking someone’s words seriously when they tell you they are hurting.

It is about being willing to ask an uncomfortable question instead of assuming everything is fine.

And it is about knowing when the situation is bigger than what a friend or family member should manage alone.

If someone you care about is struggling, you do not need a perfect speech. Start with concern. Listen to the answer. Help them reach qualified support.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health, substance use, or suicide-related crisis, call or text 988. If there is immediate physical danger or a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

For people in Kokomo and Central Indiana whose immediate safety needs have been addressed but who continue to experience substance use or co-occurring mental health concerns, First City Recovery Center provides several levels of behavioral health and addiction treatment. A clinical assessment can help determine whether a particular program or level of care is appropriate.

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Warning Signs of Suicide: How to Notice When Someone May Need Help

Sep 8, 2026

Mental Health

Warning Signs of Suicide: How to Notice When Someone May Need Help

Sometimes concern begins with something small.

A friend stops answering messages. A family member seems unusually withdrawn. Someone who has been struggling begins talking as though nothing will ever improve. A person starts drinking more, sleeping differently, or saying things that leave you wondering whether they are safe.

It can be difficult to know what those changes mean—and even harder to decide what to say.

Learning the warning signs of suicide cannot tell you with certainty what another person is thinking. It can, however, help you recognize when someone may be experiencing significant emotional distress and when it is appropriate to check in, ask directly about suicide, or help them connect with professional support.

You do not need to be a mental health professional to show concern. You also do not need to manage a possible suicide crisis by yourself.

If You Need Support Right Now

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, a mental health crisis, or a substance use crisis, call or text 988 or use the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline chat.

The 988 Lifeline is available throughout the United States 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. People can contact 988 for themselves or because they are worried about someone they care about. Support is free, and conversations are confidential.

If someone is in immediate physical danger, an attempt is occurring, or there is another medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

What Can Suicide Warning Signs Look Like?

There is no single way a person experiencing suicidal thoughts will look or behave.

Some people speak openly about wanting to die. Others communicate their distress less directly. Changes may appear in what they say, how they behave, how they relate to other people, or how they respond to a painful event or major life change.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline recommends paying particular attention when concerning behaviors are new, becoming more frequent or intense, or appear connected to a painful event, loss, or significant change.

A warning sign is not a diagnosis, and observing one does not prove that someone intends to attempt suicide. The purpose of recognizing warning signs is not to label someone. It is to notice when a person may need additional care and support.

How to Help Someone Suicidal?


Listen to What the Person Is Saying

Sometimes emotional pain shows up in a person's words before it is obvious in other ways.

Take notice when someone repeatedly talks about:

  • Wanting to die or not wanting to be alive.

  • Feeling as though there is no reason to keep living.

  • Believing the future will never improve.

  • Feeling trapped or unable to see a way through their circumstances.

  • Experiencing emotional or physical pain that feels unbearable.

  • Believing they are a burden.

  • Thinking that the people they care about would be better off without them.

These comments should not automatically be dismissed because someone says them casually, jokingly, or during an argument.

You do not have to decide whether they "really mean it" before responding compassionately.

Instead, create space for them to explain what they are experiencing.

Pay Attention to Changes in Behavior

Words are only part of the picture. Significant changes in someone's usual behavior may also indicate distress.

The 988 Lifeline identifies possible warning signs that include withdrawing or isolating from others, substantially changing sleep patterns, behaving recklessly, appearing unusually anxious or agitated, increasing alcohol or drug use, displaying intense rage, or experiencing extreme shifts in mood.

The key word is often change.

One person may naturally spend a great deal of time alone. Another may normally be highly social. A sudden shift away from someone's usual pattern may tell you more than comparing their behavior with what you think distress is "supposed" to look like.

You do not need to determine which mental health condition might explain the behavior. A qualified clinician should make diagnostic assessments.

Your role can simply be to notice that something seems different and ask how the person is doing.

Emotional Changes Can Matter Too

A person who is struggling may appear increasingly:

  • Hopeless.

  • Anxious or overwhelmed.

  • Agitated.

  • Emotionally disconnected.

  • Isolated.

  • Trapped by their circumstances.

  • Unable to imagine their situation changing.

Extreme changes in mood can also warrant attention.

Not everyone experiencing these emotions is suicidal. At the same time, you do not have to wait until you are certain someone is at risk before starting a caring conversation.

Sometimes a simple observation can open the door:

"You haven't seemed like yourself lately, and I've been thinking about you. How are you doing?"

Warning Signs and Risk Factors Are Not the Same Thing

The terms suicide warning signs and suicide risk factors are sometimes used interchangeably, but they describe different things.

A warning sign may suggest that a person is experiencing significant distress in the present.

A risk factor is a circumstance or characteristic associated with increased vulnerability over time.

Risk is complex. Suicide should not be attributed to one breakup, one relapse, one diagnosis, one financial problem, or one difficult experience.

Similarly, having a risk factor does not mean a person will attempt suicide.

Mental health professionals consider multiple aspects of a person's circumstances when evaluating suicide risk. Friends and family members should avoid attempting to perform their own clinical assessment.

What you can do is take concerning changes seriously and help the person reach appropriate support.

What People Often Get Wrong About Suicide Warning Signs

Misinformation about suicide can make an already uncomfortable conversation more difficult.

"Someone who talks about suicide probably isn't actually going to do it."

Talking about suicide should be taken seriously.

Rather than deciding whether someone is seeking attention or "being dramatic," try to understand what is behind the statement.

Someone communicating distress deserves the opportunity to be heard.

"I should wait until I'm sure they're suicidal before saying anything."

You do not need proof.

If something concerns you, checking in respectfully is reasonable. You can ask how the person has been feeling and, when appropriate, ask directly whether they have been thinking about suicide.

"Asking directly about suicide could put the idea in someone's head."

This is a persistent misconception.

The National Institute of Mental Health states that research does not show that asking someone whether they are thinking about suicide increases suicidal thoughts or behavior. Directly asking can instead help begin an important conversation.

"If they say they're okay, I shouldn't bring it up again."

One conversation may not tell you everything.

If concerning behavior continues, it can be appropriate to check in again. Continued connection can be especially important after someone has experienced a crisis or returned home from treatment.

"I have to know exactly what to say."

You don't.

Compassion, clarity, and a willingness to listen are more useful than searching for the perfect sentence.

How Do You Ask Someone If They Are Thinking About Suicide?

It is understandable to feel nervous about this conversation.

You may worry that the person will become upset, that you will embarrass them, or that you will make the situation worse.

Direct language is generally preferable to vague questions.

You might say:

"I've noticed that you've been going through a lot lately. Have you been thinking about suicide?"

Or:

"When you say you don't want to be here anymore, do you mean you've been thinking about ending your life?"

Or simply:

"I'm concerned about you. Are you thinking about suicide?"

NIMH specifically recommends asking directly and notes that studies do not show an increase in suicidal thoughts or behavior from doing so.

If the person says yes, you do not need to become their therapist or conduct your own suicide risk assessment.

Listen, take what they tell you seriously, and help them connect with a trained professional or crisis counselor.

What Helps During the Conversation?

When someone shares something frightening or painful, our instinct is often to immediately make it better.

We reassure.

We give advice.

We point out reasons they should feel differently.

We remind them of everyone who loves them.

Those responses may come from genuine care, but a person in severe emotional distress may first need to feel heard.

Try to focus on listening.

Statements such as these can create more room for conversation:

"That sounds incredibly difficult."

"Thank you for telling me."

"I want to understand what you've been dealing with."

"I'm taking what you're saying seriously."

"We can find someone who can help us with this."

In contrast, minimizing statements can unintentionally shut down the conversation.

Try to avoid responses such as:

"You have so much to be grateful for."

"Other people have it worse."

"You wouldn't really do that."

"Stop talking like that."

"You're only saying this for attention."

You do not have to agree with how someone sees their circumstances to acknowledge that their pain feels very real to them.

Five Evidence-Informed Ways to Respond

NIMH organizes suicide-prevention guidance around five practical actions: Ask, Be There, Help Keep Them Safe, Help Them Connect, and Follow Up.

1. Ask Clearly

If you are concerned about suicide, ask about suicide.

Give the person space to answer rather than immediately reassuring them or trying to change the subject.

2. Stay Connected

Being present can mean sitting beside someone, remaining on the phone, staying connected through text or video, or helping bring another trusted person into the conversation when appropriate.

Being there does not mean accepting sole responsibility for the person's safety.

Professional support should be involved when it is needed.

3. Prioritize Immediate Safety

When there is a serious safety concern, the priority is getting the person through the immediate crisis and connecting them with qualified help.

If there is immediate physical danger or a medical emergency, contact 911 or seek emergency medical care.

Avoid putting yourself in danger while trying to help someone else.

4. Help Them Reach Support

You may be able to help the person contact:

  • The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

  • Their therapist or psychiatrist.

  • A physician or other healthcare professional.

  • Their existing treatment program.

  • A trusted family member or supportive friend.

  • Another appropriate behavioral health resource.

You can also contact 988 yourself if you are worried about someone else.

5. Check In Again

Support does not necessarily stop when the immediate crisis ends.

NIMH notes that ongoing supportive contact after a suicide-related crisis or discharge from care can play an important role in suicide prevention.

A short message days later—"I've been thinking about you. How have you been?"—can communicate that the conversation was not forgotten.

Should You Call 988 or 911?

It is easy to feel uncertain about which resource to use when emotions are high.

Contact 988 for Behavioral Health and Crisis Support

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 support for people experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, mental health concerns, and substance use-related crises.

A person does not need to be on the verge of a suicide attempt to contact 988.

In fact, SAMHSA emphasizes that people can use 988 for a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, loneliness, relationship difficulties, trauma, drug or alcohol concerns, emotional distress, or simply needing someone to talk with.

You can call or text 988 or use the Lifeline's online chat.

Contact 911 or Emergency Medical Services for Immediate Danger

Call 911 or seek emergency medical attention when someone is in immediate physical danger or experiencing a medical emergency.

If you are uncertain about a behavioral health situation that is not an immediate medical emergency, 988 can help you discuss the situation with a trained crisis counselor.

When Substance Use and Mental Health Concerns Overlap

Alcohol and drug use can complicate mental health concerns.

The 988 Lifeline includes increasing alcohol or drug use among the possible warning signs that deserve attention, particularly when the change occurs alongside other signs of emotional distress.

That does not mean substance use alone proves someone is suicidal.

However, mental health conditions and substance use disorders frequently need to be considered together rather than treated as unrelated problems.

For example, someone may be coping with depression while also using alcohol heavily. Another person may experience worsening anxiety alongside drug use. Someone returning to substance use after a period of recovery may also be experiencing shame, isolation, or significant emotional distress.

These situations deserve compassion rather than judgment.

After immediate safety concerns have been addressed, a licensed behavioral health professional can evaluate whether treatment should address substance use, mental health symptoms, or both.

A Note About Detox and Withdrawal

If someone is physically dependent on alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other substances, abruptly stopping without clinical guidance may carry withdrawal risks.

Home detox is not appropriate for everyone. Depending on the substance, amount and duration of use, medical history, medications, and other factors, supervised withdrawal management may be necessary.

A qualified healthcare professional should evaluate detox needs. This article should not be used as instructions for managing withdrawal at home.

First City Recovery Center describes a continuum of addiction services in Kokomo, Indiana, including medically supported detox, residential treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient treatment, and outpatient care. Its outpatient services also include support for co-occurring substance use and mental health conditions.

Individual treatment needs and outcomes vary, and the appropriate level of care should be determined through professional assessment.

September 2026 Suicide Prevention and Recovery Awareness Dates

September creates several opportunities to talk more openly about mental health, suicide prevention, substance use, treatment, and recovery.

Awareness campaigns cannot replace clinical care, but they can help people learn where support is available and make difficult subjects easier to discuss.

National Suicide Prevention Month — September

September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention uses the month to encourage education, community involvement, conversations about mental health, and practical suicide-prevention efforts.

For families, awareness can begin with simple actions: learn common warning signs, save 988 in your phone, check in when someone seems different, and become comfortable asking directly about suicide when you are concerned.

National Suicide Prevention Week — September 6–12, 2026

In 2026, National Suicide Prevention Week is September 6 through September 12. AFSP lists these dates as part of its 2026 national awareness calendar.

The week can be an opportunity to move beyond general awareness and learn specific ways to support someone experiencing emotional distress.

988 Day — September 8

September 8 is 988 Day, a national awareness initiative led by SAMHSA to increase understanding of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

For 2026, SAMHSA's theme is "988 Reasons: Your reason is reason enough."

The message is important because 988 is not reserved only for people who believe they are at the most severe point of a crisis. People can reach out for mental health, emotional, substance use, or suicide-related support.

World Suicide Prevention Day — September 10

World Suicide Prevention Day is observed on September 10.

The World Health Organization's 2024–2026 theme is "Changing the Narrative on Suicide," with the call to action "Start the Conversation."

The campaign focuses on reducing stigma, challenging harmful misconceptions, and creating environments where people feel safer speaking openly about suicide and seeking help.

That message has an everyday application.

Starting the conversation can be as simple as noticing that someone is struggling, asking a direct question, listening without judgment, and helping them reach support.

September Is Also National Recovery Month

September is also National Recovery Month, an observance coordinated by SAMHSA that recognizes recovery from substance use and mental health conditions while supporting evidence-based treatment, recovery services, families, communities, and the professionals who provide care.

For behavioral health organizations, the overlap between Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention Month is meaningful.

Substance use, mental health, suicide prevention, treatment, and recovery are not always separate conversations. People may experience several of these concerns at the same time, and effective care should consider the whole person.

National Addiction Professionals Day — September 20

National Addiction Professionals Day is observed each September 20 and recognizes professionals working across addiction treatment, prevention, harm reduction, and recovery services. NAADAC established the observance to recognize the work of addiction professionals.

For people receiving care, these professionals may include counselors, therapists, behavioral health clinicians, peer-support professionals, case managers, and others who contribute to an individual's treatment and recovery support.

When Is It Time to Seek Professional Help?

You do not need to wait for a crisis before involving a mental health professional.

Consider encouraging professional evaluation when emotional, behavioral, mental health, or substance use concerns:

  • Are becoming more intense.

  • Are interfering with work, school, relationships, sleep, or daily responsibilities.

  • Persist despite support from friends or family.

  • Include suicidal thoughts or statements.

  • Occur alongside escalating alcohol or drug use.

  • Return repeatedly after previous treatment or periods of stability.

  • Make the person feel unable to cope safely on their own.

Licensed mental health and medical professionals can assess concerns in context and discuss what type of support may be appropriate.

When Comparing Behavioral Health Treatment Options, What Should Families Look For?

Once an immediate crisis has been stabilized, choosing ongoing treatment can raise another set of questions.

Rather than focusing only on amenities or marketing claims, look at the clinical structure of the program.

Consider asking:

  • Is the program appropriately licensed?

  • Who provides medical and psychiatric care?

  • Can clinicians evaluate both substance use and mental health symptoms?

  • Is medically supervised detox available when clinically indicated?

  • What levels of care are available?

  • How does the program determine which level of care a person needs?

  • Are individual, group, and family services available when appropriate?

  • How are co-occurring mental health and substance use concerns addressed?

  • How does discharge and continuing-care planning work?

  • What happens if the person's clinical needs change during treatment?

No treatment program can guarantee a particular outcome. Recovery and mental health treatment are individualized processes, and results vary.

A thorough clinical assessment can help determine whether detox, residential treatment, outpatient care, psychiatric services, therapy, or another level of support may be appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Warning Signs of Suicide

Does one warning sign mean someone is suicidal?

No. A single behavior or statement cannot confirm that someone is suicidal.

However, you also do not need to wait until several warning signs appear before checking in. A concerning statement or meaningful change from someone's normal behavior can be enough reason to ask how they are doing.

How can I ask someone about suicide without making things worse?

Use calm, direct language.

For example: "I've been concerned about you. Have you been thinking about suicide?"

Research summarized by NIMH indicates that directly asking about suicide does not increase suicidal thoughts or behavior.

What if someone tells me they are thinking about suicide?

Stay as calm as you can, listen without judgment, and take what they say seriously.

Help the person connect with professional support. Call or text 988 or use the 988 Lifeline chat. You can contact 988 together or contact the Lifeline yourself because you are worried about them.

If there is immediate physical danger or a medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical care.

Can I contact 988 about a family member or friend?

Yes.

SAMHSA states that people can call, text, or chat with 988 because they are concerned about a loved one who may need crisis support.

Is 988 only for suicidal thoughts?

No.

988 also supports people dealing with emotional distress, mental health concerns, substance use problems, loneliness, relationship difficulties, trauma, anxiety, depression, and other behavioral health concerns.

Can increased alcohol or drug use be a warning sign?

Increasing alcohol or drug use is included among the warning signs identified by the 988 Lifeline.

Substance use by itself does not mean someone is suicidal. When increased use occurs alongside hopelessness, withdrawal from others, suicidal statements, severe emotional pain, or other significant changes, professional evaluation is appropriate.

What if I said the wrong thing when someone opened up to me?

You can return to the conversation.

You might say:

"I've been thinking about what you told me earlier. I don't think I responded the way I wanted to, but I care about how you're doing. Can we talk again?"

Support does not require perfection.

Sometimes the Most Important First Step Is Simply Not Looking Away

Recognizing the warning signs of suicide is not about learning to diagnose another person.

It is about noticing.

It is about taking someone's words seriously when they tell you they are hurting.

It is about being willing to ask an uncomfortable question instead of assuming everything is fine.

And it is about knowing when the situation is bigger than what a friend or family member should manage alone.

If someone you care about is struggling, you do not need a perfect speech. Start with concern. Listen to the answer. Help them reach qualified support.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health, substance use, or suicide-related crisis, call or text 988. If there is immediate physical danger or a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

For people in Kokomo and Central Indiana whose immediate safety needs have been addressed but who continue to experience substance use or co-occurring mental health concerns, First City Recovery Center provides several levels of behavioral health and addiction treatment. A clinical assessment can help determine whether a particular program or level of care is appropriate.

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