If you are thinking about hurting yourself or you do not feel safe, tell an adult now. You do not have to find perfect words.
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
Go to a safe adult—parent, caregiver, teacher, counselor, coach, nurse, or relative.
2
Say: “I need help staying safe.”
3
If the first adult does not listen, tell another adult. Keep telling until someone helps.
Words you can use
Copy, send, or say this:
“I need to tell you something serious. I have been thinking about hurting myself, and I need help staying safe.”
You are not in trouble
Having a hard time does not make you weak, dramatic, or bad. Telling someone is a brave safety step.
If it is about a friend
Do not promise to keep suicidal thoughts secret and do not try to manage the crisis alone. Tell a trusted adult, even if your friend asks you not to. You can stay kind while getting help.
What counseling can be like
A counselor may ask about your thoughts, feelings, safety, stress, sleep, relationships, and what support you have. You can ask what will remain private and what they must share to keep you safe.
If you are afraid adults will overreact
You can say what you are afraid will happen and ask the adult to explain each next step. They may still need to involve others to keep you safe. That is not punishment or betrayal.
If the first adult does not listen
Tell another adult right away. Use stronger words: “This is about suicide. I need you to stay with me and get help.” Keep telling until someone responds.
Stay near safe people, step away from danger, and keep your phone with you. Call or text 988 with an adult if possible. Do not leave to meet someone alone or use alcohol or drugs to cope with the moment.
Common questions
Clear answers for the next decision.
What happens when I text 988?
After a short initial process, a crisis counselor will listen, ask about your safety, and help you think through support and next steps.
Will my parents or caregiver be told?
Privacy rules depend on your age, location, school or care setting, and immediate safety. Ask the adult or counselor what they must share and who will receive the information.
What if the first adult does not listen?
Tell another adult immediately and use direct words: “This is about suicide. I need help staying safe.” Keep telling until someone responds.
Can I help a suicidal friend by myself?
No. Stay kind, do not promise secrecy, and bring in a trusted adult or 988. Your friend needs a team, not one young person carrying the crisis alone.
Qualified review pending — not clinically endorsed. A licensed youth mental-health clinician and a suicide-prevention specialist must review this page. A qualified privacy or youth-safeguarding reviewer must review confidentiality, caregiver-disclosure, and minimum-necessary-sharing language.
Last editorial update
August 11, 2026
Review schedule
Initial qualified review required before broad promotion
Editorial status
Cited editorial guidance. It is not clinically endorsed. A licensed youth mental-health clinician and a suicide-prevention specialist must review this page. A qualified privacy or youth-safeguarding reviewer must review confidentiality, caregiver-disclosure, and minimum-necessary-sharing language.
