Suicide Prevention
Lifeline Center calls are free and confidential, and they’re available 24/7.
First, you’ll hear an automated message featuring additional options while your call is routed to your local Lifeline network crisis center.
They’ll play you a little music while they connect you to a skilled, trained crisis worker.
A trained crisis worker at a local center will answer the phone.
This person will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and get you the help you need.
Jordan Burnham bounced back after a surviving a suicide attempt in his teens.
"The main message is that you are not the only one going through these problems or ideas...you can verbalize them and you can cope with them in a healthy way to get you through that."
Musician Rhett Miller shares his suicide attempt story and why he's glad the Lifeline is here to help.
"I was able to come through it and carve out a life that I love."
For Parents/Guardians
"One of the more difficult challenges of parenting is realizing that you don’t always know what your children are thinking and feeling."
Suicide Warning Signs
Something to look out for when concerned that a person may be suicidal is a change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors. This is of sharpest concern if the new or changed behavior is related to a painful event, loss, or change. Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do.
Talk
If a person talks about:
Killing themselves
Feeling hopeless
Having no reason to live
Being a burden to others
Feeling trapped
Unbearable pain
Behaviors
Behaviors that may signal risk, especially if related to a painful event, loss or change:
Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for methods
Withdrawing from activities
Isolating from family and friends
Sleeping too much or too little
Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
Giving away prized possessions
Aggression
Fatigue
Mood
People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods:
Depression
Anxiety
Loss of interest
Irritability
Humiliation/Shame
Agitation/Anger
Relief/Sudden Improvement
Suicide Risk Factors
Health Factors
Mental health conditions
Depression
Substance use problems
Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia
Personality traits of aggression, mood changes and poor relationships
Conduct disorder
Anxiety disorders
Serious physical health conditions including pain
Traumatic brain injury
Environmental Factors
Access to lethal means including firearms and drugs
Prolonged stress, such as harassment, bullying, relationship problems or unemployment
Stressful life events, like rejection, divorce, financial crisis, other life transitions or loss
Exposure to another person’s suicide, or to graphic or sensationalized accounts of suicide
Historical Factors
Previous suicide attempts
Family history of suicide
Childhood abuse, neglect or trauma
Talking to Someone Who May Be Struggling with Depression or Anxiety
Have an Honest Conversation
If you think someone is thinking about suicide, assume you are the only one who will reach out. Here’s how to talk to someone who may be struggling with their mental health.
1. Talk to them in private
2. Listen to their story
3. Tell them you care about them
4. Ask directly if they are thinking about suicide
5. Encourage them to seek treatment or to contact their doctor or therapist
6. Avoid debating the value of life, minimizing their problems or giving advice
Suicide Prevention Hotlines:
Lehigh County Emergency Mental Health Services (24/7): 610-782-3127
National Suicide Prevention Hotline (24/7): 1-800-273-8255
Lehigh Valley Hospital: Cedar Crest
Cedar Crest Blvd. & I78
Allentown, PA 18105
(610) 402-8111
Lehigh Valley Hospital: Muhlenberg
2545 Schoenersville Road
Bethlehem, PA 18017
(484) 884-2521
Blue Mountain Hospital: Palmerton
135 Lafayette Ave
Palmerton, PA 18071
(610) 826-3141
St. Luke’s Medical Center: Allentown
1736 Hamilton St
Allentown, PA 18104
(610) 628-8300