Signs to look out for when concerned that a loved one may be suicidal:
Prolonged sadness and depression
Changes in mood or behavior
Hopelessness
Sleeping too much or too little
Withdrawing/Isolation
Aggression or agitation
Increased alcohol or drug use
Talking about killing themselves
Trying to end life by self- harming
Facts about Suicide
More than one-third of child gun deaths are suicides, which equates to more than 700 child gun suicides each year
Over 80% of children under 18 years old who died by gun suicide used a gun belonging to a parent or relative
Having access to a firearm triples one's risk of death by suicide.
Youth firearm suicide has reached its highest rate in more than 20 years; it has increased 53% in the past decade
3,100 young people die by firearm suicide each year
90% of suicide attempts with a gun are fatal, while 4% of those not involving a gun are fatal.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death of young Americans
The Lifeline network (988 Lifeline) and its partners are working to change the conversation from suicide to suicide prevention, to actions that can promote healing, help and give hope.
ASK: Research shows people who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks after them in a caring way.
BE THERE: Individuals are more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful by after speaking to someone who listens without judgment.
KEEP THEM SAFE: A number of studies have indicated that when lethal means are made less available or less deadly, suicide rates by that method decline, and frequently suicide rates overall decline.
HELP THEM STAY CONNECTED: Studies indicate that helping someone at risk create a network of resources and individuals for support and safety can help them take positive action and reduce feelings of hopelessness.
FOLLOW UP: Studies have also shown that brief, low cost intervention and supportive, ongoing contact may be an important part of suicide prevention, especially for individuals after they have been discharged from hospitals or care services.
Click here to read more about Suicide Prevention
Any Mental Health Crisis PLEASE call
CALL Mobile Crisis Intervention (800) 640-5432
OR SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
OR call the police department at 911
OR drive them to the nearest Hospital's Emergency Department
TEEN HELPLINES:
Text Messages
Crisis Textline: Text HOME to 741-741
Trevor Text: Test START to 678-678
Hotlines
National Suicide Prevention: 1-800-273-TALK [8255]
Teen Line: 866-948-2988 (6pm to 10pm PST.)
Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQIA+): 1-866-488-7386
Trans Lifeline: US: 877-565-8860 Canada: 877-330-6366
Runaway and Homeless Youth Hotline: 1-800-786-2929
National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-422-4453
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
Love is Respect (Domestic Violence Hotline): 866-331-9474
Coalition Against Domestic Violence: 1-800-799-7233
Parent/Guardian Helplines:
Website
Healing Abuse Working for Change (Domestic Violence)
Parent Helping Parent (Parental Stress)
Massachusetts 211 (Help Find assistance from all kinds of social service agencies - food banks, health, financial, elder and child care, mental health, housing, domestic violence, and much more)
Metrowest Parents of Multiples : Provides educational, social and emotional support to parents and expectant parents of multiples in Boston’s MetroWest suburbs
Planned Parenthood : Tools for Parents. Great source for tips on talking to children and young adults about growing up.
Wayside MetroWest Parent Support Services : offers guidance, resources, and support to parents and caregivers of children and adolescents with social, emotional, behavioral, learning differences or mental health needs.
Disability Information: Connect with special needs providers or call (800)-642-0249.
Hotlines
Healing Abuse Working for Change: 800-547-1649 (24/7 help)
Parent Helping Parent (Parental Stress): 1-800-632-8188
Massachusetts 211: Just call 2-1-1 (24/7 help)
Support Groups (on Zoom- need phone or computer)
Mondays 11am: New Mom Group (for moms with infants 0-12 months old)
Mondays 2pm: Parent Support - Helping Kids Manage Isolation and Anxiety
OR