You do not need to explain everything before an adult helps you. Print this page, save it, or show it on your phone.
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 or staffed place.
2
Say, “I do not feel safe being alone.”
3
Ask the adult to stay with you and call or text 988 together.
Words you can use
Copy, send, or say this:
“I need you to take this seriously. I am thinking about suicide or I am afraid I may hurt myself. Please stay with me and help me contact 988 or another qualified professional.”
People I can tell
Parent, caregiver, or another relative
Teacher, counselor, nurse, coach, or principal
A friend’s parent or another trusted adult
A 988 crisis counselor
If the first adult does not listen
Tell another adult immediately. Use the words “suicide,” “not safe,” or “might hurt myself” if they are true. One adult’s poor response does not make your need less real.
Qualified review pending — not clinically endorsed. A licensed youth mental-health clinician and a suicide-prevention specialist must review this page.
Last editorial update
July 30, 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.
