Suicide Prevention: Help for Yourself

You are not alone if you are experiencing a difficult time. Caring and compassionate help is available for you.

Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for support from a trained counselor.

• Call or text 988
• Chat at 988lifeline.org

This is a free service available 24/7. Your conversation is confidential, unless there is imminent danger for you or others.

Call 911 if you need emergency medical services.

Find a therapist or support group

Speaking to someone can help you feel better and improve your overall health and wellness. 

Call 211 or visit the 211 website to learn about therapy and support group options near you.

Build a support network

You are part of a larger whole, and you matter. You may feel less isolated when you’re connected more to others. 

• Join an interest group, volunteer, take a class, or start a new hobby.
• Use social media to share how you're feeling and hear the stories of others who have felt the same. 
• Surround yourself with positive people who motivate you to be your best. These people may include your family members, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and spiritual advisors. 

Use your support network

Your support network is available to you during difficult times. 

• Share your emotions. 
• Stay open-minded and receptive to outside perspectives and opinions. 

Take time for self-care

Select an option below for self-care tips from the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for communities with unique health and wellness needs.

• Attempt survivors
• Black/African Americans
• Deaf, hard of hearing, hearing loss
• Disaster survivors
• Individuals with neurodivergence
• Loss survivors
• LGBTQI+
• Mothers
• Native Americans/Indigenous people
• Service members and veterans
• Youth

Farmers: The Wisconsin Farm Center offers a variety of free services and supports for farmers, including counseling through the 24/7 Farmer Wellness Hotline (888-901-2558) and vouchers for in-person counseling. 

Make a safety plan

A safety plan is designed to guide you through difficult times. 

• Recognize your personal warning signs: What thoughts, images, moods, situations, and behaviors indicate to you that a difficult moment may be developing? Write these down in your own words.
• Use your own coping strategies: List things you can do on your own to help you not act on urges to harm yourself.
• Socialize with others: List people and social settings that may help take your mind off stressful thoughts or feelings.
• Connect with family members or friends: Make a list of people who are supportive and who you feel you can talk to when under stress.
• Contact mental health professionals or agencies: Make a list of names, phone numbers and/or locations of people trained to help, and hotlines, like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. 
• Limit access to lethal means: Making your environment safer will help to lower or delay the risk of you acting on suicidal thoughts.