Suicide claims approximately 800,000 lives across the world each year. In the United States, more than twice as many people die by suicide than homicide, and more people die by suicide than from automobile accidents. We should not accept these lives lost to suicide as irreversible facts.

Suicide is a heartbreaking, serious and preventable public health crisis.

Know when to ask for help. Learning the warning signs of suicide is the first step:

Take the time to learn these warning signs. By staying alert, you will know when to intervene and you might save someone’s life.

If someone you know is showing these warning signs:

• Ask them if they are thinking about wanting to die or to kill themselves. (Don’t hesitate. This will not put the idea into their head or make it more likely that they will attempt suicide.)
• Listen without judging and show you care.
• Stay with the person or make sure the person is in a private, secure place with another caring person until you can get further help.
• Remove any objects that could be used in a suicide attempt.
• Call SAMHSA’s National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and follow their guidance.
• If danger for self-harm seems imminent, call 911.

Read More at HHS.gov