If you need help, look for it

Almost anyone can help you. The most important step is to talk to someone about your thoughts of suicide. Find a trusted friend or adult that you feel comfortable talking to. That person does not have to be a doctor or counselor. It might be a teacher or other school staff person, your parents, a friend's parents, an older brother or sister, or someone at your church or local youth center. If the first person you pick does not help you, KEEP LOOKING. Some people are better at helping than others.

Ask yourself these questions to help you decide who you might be able to talk to:

  • Can I trust them not to talk to other people about me?
  • Will they give me a hard time?
  • Will they make me more upset?
  • Can they offer me the help I need?

After asking yourself these questions, you may decide you have no trusted friend or family member to speak to. That is okay. Sometimes speaking to a stranger is more comfortable.

Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).