Suicide Prevention

"There is no single cause to suicide. It most often occurs when stressors exceed current coping abilities of someone suffering from a mental health condition."

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." 
Talking_to_your_Kids_About_Suicide.pdf
suicide-talking-teens.pdf

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:

Behaviors

Behaviors that may signal risk, especially if related to a painful event, loss or change:

Mood

People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods:

Health Factors

Environmental Factors

Historical Factors

Talking to Someone Who May Be Struggling with Depression or Anxiety

from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

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