Don't know who to reach out to in your community? Information by region is provided below. Telephone and text crisis services provide effective help to many people who are having thoughts of suicide.
Australia
Lifeline Australia: Call 13 11 14 to get help
Canada
Crisis Service Canada: Call 1-833-456-4566 for 24/7 support (or 1-866-277-3553 in Quebec)
Kids Help Phone: Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868 for 24/7 support
Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (link): Listing of crisis centers across Canada
Hope for Wellness Helpline: Call 1-855-242-3310 (link): Available 24/7 to all Indigenous people across Canada
United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland
Samaritans: Call 116 123 for 24/7 support
childline: Call 0800 1111
United States
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for 24-hour service
Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, or text 838255
International
Listing of crisis lines around the world (link)
Sometimes people end up on the LivingWorks website because they are actually looking for personal help and we have provided lifelines you can call or text above. If someone were to ask you right now if you are having thoughts of suicide, what would your honest answer be? If yes, this is likely a difficult time for you. You do not need to go through this alone.
Likely, you are already taking your thoughts of suicide seriously. Being alone with thoughts of suicide is one thing that is known to increase the risk of harm or death.
Find someone who is comfortable talking about suicide—someone who will work with you to prevent the risk of these thoughts leading to suicidal actions. One of the quickest and best ways to find out if the helper has these abilities is to tell them that you are having thoughts of suicide and watch their reaction. Don't expect them to be comfortable immediately, but do expect them to show more concern for you than for themselves. If they don't measure up, there are others who will. Don't give up.
Once you have found someone, don't expect that the helper is going to keep the danger secret or not want extra help. You want a helper who is honest about how much they can do. Lastly, be honest. Don't say anything just to please the helper or promise anything you can't or won't do. Everyone needs to take the time to find what will really help. Suicide is not the only way out.
