When you are thinking about dying: what you can do right now

Who you can contact right now

• U.S.: call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 24/7, free), or chat at 988lifeline.org
• U.S.: text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line, 24/7)
• U.S. veterans: dial 988, then press 1
• Korea: 109 (Suicide Prevention Line, 24/7, free) or 1577-0199 (Mental Health Crisis Line)
• Elsewhere: find a local helpline at findahelpline.com
• In immediate danger: 911 in the U.S., 112/119 in Korea

If calling feels too hard, you can also go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

This feeling can pass

Thoughts of dying come when the pain feels so overwhelming that no other way out seems possible. That pain is real, but the intense urge of this moment weakens with time. For now, aim for "just today — just getting through this moment."

What you can do right now

1. 1Put dangerous things (pills, sharp objects) out of reach, or give them to someone else to keep.
2. 2Don't stay alone. Contact someone or go somewhere with people around.
3. 3Avoid alcohol and drugs. They greatly strengthen the urge.
4. 4Call or text a crisis line and describe how you are feeling as it is. It's okay not to know what to say.

Make a safety plan

Writing this down while you feel a little calmer makes it easier to remember what to do when a crisis comes.

• My warning signs (for example, not sleeping, wanting to cut off contact)
• Things I can do on my own (for example, take a shower, go for a walk, listen to music I like)
• Names and numbers of two or three people I can contact
• Professional contacts (a crisis line, my doctor or therapist)
• My reasons for living (people, pets, things I want to do)