Get help now

You do not have to solve everything tonight.

If you are thinking about suicide, feeling unsafe, or afraid of what you might do, start with one next step—not your whole future.

If there is immediate physical danger, an active attempt, or a medical emergency, contact emergency services immediately.

What you can do now

Take these steps in order.

1
Move toward another safe person or a public place.
2
Put distance between you and anything you could use to hurt yourself.
3
Call or text 988, or ask someone to do it with you.

Words you can use

Copy, send, or say this:

“I am having a difficult time and I do not feel safe being alone right now. I need you to stay with me or help me connect with support.”

Choose the closest place to start

You do not need the perfect explanation

You can say only what is true right now: “I am not safe,” “I need company,” or “Please help me make a call.” Let another person help carry the next decision.

After the immediate wave

A crisis plan is only the beginning. Continued support can include a counselor, physician, trusted adult, follow-up appointment, and people who will keep checking in.

Prepared by

Leah Matters

Professional review

Qualified review pending — not clinically endorsed. A licensed mental-health clinician and a suicide-prevention specialist must review this page.

Last editorial update

September 14, 2026

Review schedule

Initial qualified review required before broad promotion

Editorial status

Cited editorial guidance. It is not clinically endorsed. A licensed mental-health clinician and a suicide-prevention specialist must review this page.