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Read a true story of choosing life
One student believed there was no way forward. Reaching the next moment changed the ending. Read the full story—and let someone help you write your next chapter.
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You are not your thoughts
Having suicidal thoughts?
Thoughts of dying can feel frightening and isolating. They are a signal that you deserve immediate support—not proof that your story is over.
01Get near a safe person.
Tell someone clearly: “I might hurt myself and I need you to stay with me.”
02Create distance from danger.
Move away from anything you could use to hurt yourself and ask someone else to secure it.
03Use emergency help.
If you may act now or cannot stay safe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
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Start here
Ten practical things you can do now
You do not need to complete every step. Begin with number one, then take the next safe step.
- 01Talk to someone you trust—right now
Reach a friend, parent, family member, counselor, coach, teacher, or faith leader. Say plainly that you need help staying safe.
- 02Call or text 988
A trained crisis counselor is available 24/7. You do not need perfect words; you can begin with, “I don’t feel safe.”
- 03Go to a safer place
Do not stay alone. Move to a shared or public space and put distance between you and anything you could use to hurt yourself.
- 04Pause the decision
Do not act on the thought today. Focus only on getting through this wave with another person beside you.
- 05Use a safety plan
Follow a plan you made with a counselor, or use the free VA Safety Plan app to identify warning signs, people, places, and coping tools.
- 06Ground yourself in this moment
Name five things you see, four you feel, three you hear, two you smell, and one you taste.
- 07Move for five minutes
Walk with someone, stretch, or step outside. A small physical reset can help lower the intensity of the moment.
- 08Name reasons to stay
Write ten reasons—people, pets, places, dreams, songs, or even one thing you want to see tomorrow.
- 09Remember that intensity changes
Thoughts and emotions can arrive like waves. This moment can change even if it does not feel that way yet.
- 10Use emergency care when needed
If you may act now, have already taken steps to hurt yourself, or cannot stay safe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
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Back to top ↑Prepare for hard moments
Create a suicide safety plan
The VA’s free Safety Plan app is for anyone who has experienced thoughts of suicide or self-harm. It helps you build a step-by-step plan and share it with people you trust. It does not replace professional care.
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Back to top ↑Prefer Christian support?
Talk with a Hope Coach
TheHopeLine offers free, confidential live chat with a Hope Coach. You can bring your honest questions, fear, and faith into the conversation.