Be the one to help save a life

We can all take action to prevent suicide.

Group of people sitting together in group therapy

World Suicide Prevention Day is observed each year to help raise awareness around suicide and suicide prevention. Suicide is a leading cause of death, but it can be preventable. Recognizing the warning signs and knowing what to do next can help someone to get the support they need.

Suicide prevention and mental health

Anxiety and depression are common risk factors for suicide but finding mental and behavioral health support can help. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers tips to cope with stress and benefit emotional well-being. Knowing the warning signs for suicide, and how to get help, can save lives.

Know the warning signs

If you’re worried about a loved one, the subject of suicide may be difficult to discuss. That’s why it’s so important to understand, recognize and talk about the warning signs:

Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves.
Looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online or buying a gun.
Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
Talking about being a burden to others.
Increasing their use of alcohol or drugs.
Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.
Sleeping too little or too much.
Withdrawing or isolating themselves.
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
Displaying extreme mood swings.

Some warning signs may help you determine if someone is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these signs, seek help as soon as possible.

Getting help

The CDC recommends these five steps to help prevent suicide and get support for a loved one:

Ask how they’re doing.

Keep them safe.

Be there for them.

Help them to connect. Try these three resources:

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 for free and confidential support.
Chat with someone at 988lifeline.org.

San Diego County’s Access and Crisis Line

Call 1-888-724-7240.
The Mobile Crisis Response Teams provide in-person support for those experiencing a mental health, drug or alcohol-related crisis.

National Alliance on Mental Illness’s Warmline

Call 1-619-295-1055 seven days per week, except major holidays, from 3:30-11 pm.

Follow up with them.

Help reduce suicide risk

It’s possible to reduce the risk for suicide, the CDC says. Individual, relationship, community and societal factors, like effective coping and problem-solving skills, identifying reasons to live, and feeling connected to others can all help to protect against suicide risk. Together, we can offer the support we all need to keep each other safe.

Feel your best, inside and out

We believe your mental health is just as important as your physical health, which is why we make it easy for you to get the care you need when you need it. With thousands of behavioral health providers to choose from, care is convenient, with video visits and no referral needed for outpatient therapy with a provider in your network. Find a provider today. Medicare members can find a provider here.

Don’t miss important information on other National Health Observances

The key to staying healthy is prevention. That’s why we promote National Health Observances every month to help spread awareness and keep our members healthy. Learn more about hepatitis prevention and skin cancer prevention.