Sometimes people come to our web site because they are actually looking for personal help. If someone was to ask you right now if you are having thoughts of suicide, what would your honest answer be?

If yes, this is likely a difficult time for you. You do not need to go through this alone. Find someone that will help.

While the Suicide Intervention Handbook is written from the helper's point of view, the information in it will tell you something about what kind of help is available and what helping might involve.

Likely, you are already taking your thoughts of suicide seriously. Being alone with thoughts of suicide is one thing that is known to increase the risk of harm or death.

Find someone who is comfortable talking about suicide. Someone who will work with you to prevent the risk of these thoughts leading to suicidal actions.

One of the quickest and best ways to find out if the helper has these abilities is to tell them that you are having thoughts of suicide and watch their reaction.

Don't expect them to be comfortable immediately, but do expect them to show more concern for you than themselves.

If they don't measure up, there are others who will. Don't give up.

Once you have found someone, don't expect that the helper is going to keep the danger secret or not want extra help. You want a helper who is honest about how much they can do.

Lastly, be honest. Don't say anything just to please the helper or promise anything you can't or won't do. Everyone needs to take the time to find what will really help. Suicide is not the only way out.

If you do not know who to reach out to in your community, look in the front of the telephone book for Distress, Crisis or Suicide Prevention Centers, or find help here. Trained helpers are available around the clock to help you get started in finding help.

©2003 LivingWorks Education, Inc.

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