Top 9 Resources for Suicide Prevention
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, with September 7-13 being Suicide Prevention Week. Here are 9 hotlines and resources if you or someone you love need them. ❤️🩹
1. 988
This is the national suicide & crisis lifeline and the designated emergency number for mental health crises. You can speak to trained counselors via phone call, text, or chat. There are accessible videophone options for those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. This hotline will activate local emergency responders (such as the police) if the counselors deem it necessary.
The Trevor Project is a suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization specifically for those who identify as LGBTQ+. You can reach one of their trained counselors via chat, text, or phone call.
Call Blackline is a warmline for those experiencing mental health issues who identify as BIPOC. It also provides support to BIPOC folx experiencing mistreatment or abuse due to their racial or sexual identity. With it being a warmline, it intentionally does not activate local emergency responders, such as the police, to intervene. You can call 1-800-604-5841 to utilize this resource, and they also have a downloadable app.
The Trans Lifeline is another warmline specifically for those who are transgender. It is run by other trans people and provides multiple levels of support – ranging from just needed someone talk to, all the way to experiencing a crisis. You can call 877-565-8860 to speak to a trans peer.
TWLOHA is a non-profit organization dedicated to suicide prevention and awareness. They offer a variety of resources such as The Hopeful App, a scholarship fund for those who need therapy and can’t afford it, various mental health activities and resources, and an online community for those who share the same values.
The Crisis Text Line is a free resource for anyone experiencing mental health challenges such as suicidal ideation. You can access services through website chat, by texting 741741, or by messaging them on WhatsApp.
7. The Suicidal Thoughts Workbook
This is a workbook by Kathryn Hope Gordon, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and suicide prevention. It supports you through a variety of questions and exercises to help create a space for self-awareness and deepening your understanding of your suicidal thoughts.
8. The Suicidal Thoughts Guided Journal
This journal was also created by Kathryn Hope Gordon, PhD. It is a great resource for anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts and uses CBT and gentle prompts to create a safe space for self-reflection and understanding. It uses a journal format, as opposed to workbook, if that feels more your style.
9. Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig
This book, by The Midnight Library author Matt Haig, is a memoir and his own personal story of suicide. He shares his journey of overcoming depression while also offering hope to those who are struggle to feel like life is worth living.
These resources were collected with the help of suicide prevention and loss expert, Elyce Mandich, LCSW. You can find more from Elyce on her website or instagram.
What are some other topics & issues you’d like to see resources for? I’m always looking for more ideas that can be helpful to you.
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