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Help a loved one with suicidal thoughts
Know the warning signs
Warning signs are behaviors that indicate that someone may be at risk for suicide. These warning signs may be communicated directly or indirectly.
The following are not always communicated directly:
Threatening to hurt or kill oneself
Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as obtaining a gun or stockpiling medications.
Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide, when these actions are out of the ordinary
Additional Warning Signs:
Hopelessness
No reason for living; no sense of purpose in life
Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain- like there is no way out
Talking about being a burden to others
Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
Anxiety, agitation
Sleeping too little or too much
Withdrawing from friends, family and society
Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities
Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge
Dramatic mood swings
If you recognize some of the warning signs of suicide, there are steps you can take to help.
Approach with compassion and care. Let them know that you care and you are available to listen and support them.
Remove possible means to suicide, including drugs and alcohol, to keep the person safe.
Make sure that all firearms are locked up during this time. The best option is to store firearms outside of the home.
Medications should be stored out of reach and locked up.
For more information see our Safeguard Brochure or call the Helpline Center at 1-800-273-8255.
Enlist the help of others such as family and friends to assist you to support the person.
Remember that you do not have to fill the role of a counselor. Encourage your loved one to utilize the professional support available to them.
If you or someone you know needs help with depression, relationships, drugs, alcohol or suicidal thoughts please call: 1-800-273-8255.
The Helpline Center is proud to announce the launch of 988, a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress, suicide crisis, or substance use. Call or text 988 to be connected with a trained crisis counselor. You can also chat by visiting 988 website
Contact 211 Helpline to get connected to resources, organizations and people. Simply dial 211 or download the 211 Helpline app. Calls are answered 24/7.
Brookings Behavioral Health provides 24/7 Emergency Services provided by trained clinicians. 605-697-2850
The Trevor Project provides information & support to LGBTQ young people 24/7, all year round via call, text or chat.
The Helpline Center’s Text4Hope program provides crisis texting support for all high school students in the state of South Dakota. Since texting is the preferred means of communication for adolescents, offering a crisis texting program allows students to share their concerns privately with our trusted staff.
Students will typically text in to talk about a variety of issues such as suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression, stress, concerns about a friend, relationship issues and family issues. With a simple text, individuals can connect with our professionally trained staff to receive support and resources.
Behavioral Health Center
The Avera Behavioral Health Hospital is a state-of-the-art 154-bed psychiatric facility offering both inpatient and outpatient behavioral health care.
Get Started with a Confidential Assessment 800-691-4336
Brookings Health System Emergency Room
National Alliance on Mental Illness of South Dakota
Everyone who needs help or seeks help deserves to receive it. At NAMI South Dakota, we aim to connect you with services and support if we can’t help.
Safe2Say South Dakota is a statewide tip line that allows South Dakota students, school staff, and community members to safely and anonymously report sensitive information that concerns their safety, or the safety of others, including mental health concerns.
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