Suicide

Adult Resources

Suicide

Maryland Crisis Hotline: 800-422-0009 or 2-1-1 (press 1) | Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 (TALK)

Suicide is a major public health concern. Over 40,000 people die by suicide each year in the United States; it is the 10th leading cause of death overall. Suicide is complicated and tragic but it is often preventable. Knowing the warning signs for suicide and how to get help can help save lives. Suicidal behavior is complex. Some risk factors vary with age, gender, or ethnic group and may occur in combination or change over time.

Signs

The behaviors listed below may be signs that someone is thinking about suicide.

  • Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves

  • Talking about feeling empty, hopeless, or having no reason to live

  • Feeling unbearable pain (emotional pain or physical pain)

  • Talking about great guilt or shame

  • Acting anxious or agitated

  • Using alcohol or drugs more often

  • Talking about being a burden to others

  • Withdrawing from family and friends

  • Changing eating and/or sleeping habits

  • Talking or thinking about death often

  • Giving away important possessions

  • Saying goodbye to friends and family

  • Talking about feeling empty, hopeless, or having no reason to live

  • Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions

  • Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast

  • Making a plan or looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun

  • Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy

  • Putting affairs in order, making a will

Reach Out

Please reach out if you are considering suicide. There are people trained to listen and talk with you.

If you are worried about someone, don’t be afraid to ask if they are considering suicide. If they are suicidal, please connect them to immediate help and stay with them until that help arrives.

Maryland Crisis Hotline: 800-422-0009 or 2-1-1 (press 1) | Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 (TALK)

National Institute of Mental Health

More information on suicide prevention.

Learn More

Related Resources

June 14, 2018

Knowing How to Spot the Potential Warning Signs of Suicide Could Save a Life

  Suicide is in the headlines, leading many to wonder how we might know when someone is thinking about killing themselves. …

Read More

April 12, 2019

MHAMD and NIMH Workshop Takes a Look at the Latest Research on Suicide

On Thursday, April 4, close to 100 health professionals came together at the Meeting House in Columbia, Md., to attend a workshop titled “Screening for Suicide Risk and an Update on the Neurobiology of Suicide”. The event, cohosted by MHAMD and the National Institute of Mental Health,…

Read More

June 12, 2018

Some Thoughts on Suicide and Ways You Can Help Those You Love

Inspiration. Trailblazer. These were words used to describe Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain after their tragic deaths by suicide last week. But there were other words, too. Troubled. Selfish. As a mental health advocates, we know that “selfish” is not an uncommon accusation…

Read More

June 14, 2018

Knowing How to Spot the Potential Warning Signs of Suicide Could Save a Life

 

Suicide is in the headlines, leading many to wonder how we might know when someone is thinking about killing themselves.

Read More

April 12, 2019

MHAMD and NIMH Workshop Takes a Look at the Latest Research on Suicide

On Thursday, April 4, close to 100 health professionals came together at the Meeting House in Columbia, Md., to attend a workshop titled “Screening for Suicide Risk and an Update on the Neurobiology of Suicide”. The event, cohosted by MHAMD and the National Institute of Mental Health, featured a pair of experts from NIMH, Dr. Lisa Horowitz and Dr. Elizabeth Ballard.

Read More

June 12, 2018

Some Thoughts on Suicide and Ways You Can Help Those You Love

Inspiration.

Trailblazer.

These were words used to describe Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain after their tragic deaths by suicide last week.

But there were other words, too. Troubled. Selfish.

As a mental health advocates, we know that “selfish” is not an uncommon accusation after someone has completed suicide. But as a parent, as a human, it haunts me how easily some throw that word around.

Read More

Immediate Help

If you or a loved one needs assistance or is thinking of suicide, please get help immediately.

Get Help Now

Help MHAMD now

Get Involved

MHAMD offers a variety of ways to support our work.

Find Out How Other Ways to Give
Translate »