You Are Not Alone
If you are feeling suicidal, please know that you are not alone. It might not feel like it right now, but help and hope are always available. Samaritans is here to support you, 24/7. Whatever you’re going through, you don’t have to face it by yourself. Our 24/7 Helpline is free, confidential, and nonjudgmental. Call or text 988 anytime to speak with someone who cares.
What To Do If You’re Feeling Suicidal
Tell Someone You Trust
You don’t have to go through this alone. Telling someone you’re feeling suicidal – a friend, family member, partner, or counselor – can help you feel less isolated. Try starting with:
- “I feel really alone and suicidal and could use some support. Are you free to talk?”
- “I’m having thoughts of suicide and I need help.”
- “I’m not okay right now. Can we talk?”
Call or Text the Helpline
If you don’t know who to call or text when you’re feeling suicidal, call our 24/7 Helpline. We are always here to listen. You can also use a text-based option like Hey Sam, a mental health support text line for young people, by texting 439-726.
Whether you’re dealing with emotional pain, loss, mental health struggles, or something you can’t put into words – your feelings are valid. You don’t have to explain everything perfectly to reach out. Just saying “I need someone to talk to” is enough.
All information relating to a person who reaches out for help is confidential to Samaritans. In certain cases, we may share information if one of the following occurs:
- We have informed consent from the person to pass on information;
- A person appears to be at imminent risk of death, and we have exhausted all efforts to collaboratively secure their safety;
- We receive a court order requiring us to divulge information;
- We are told information about acts of terrorism or bomb warnings;
- A person attacks or threatens volunteers or others; or
- A person deliberately prevents the service from being delivered to other callers.
While Samaritans maintains confidentiality, even after the death of a caller, please consider that our contact information may appear on the invoice provided by your mobile service provider.
Go Somewhere Safe
If you’re feeling suicidal and don’t feel safe where you are, consider going to a place where you can get immediate help:
- Friend or Family Member’s Home: Being with someone you trust can help you feel safer and less alone. Even just sharing space with a loved one can bring comfort.
- Community Behavioral Health Centers (CHBCs): CBHCs in Massachusetts provide walk-in crisis support, stabilization, and referrals to ongoing care. Services are available without an appointment and regardless of insurance.
- Emergency Room: You can walk into any hospital emergency department for crisis care.
- Urgent Care for Behavioral Health: Some communities have crisis stabilization units or urgent care centers specifically for mental health.
- Call 911 if you or someone else is at immediate risk of harm. When calling 911, you can say: “This is a mental health emergency. I need support for someone who is suicidal.” If you feel safe, let them know how they can best support you.
“You helped me years ago. I didn’t want to die, but I didn’t want to face my problems. Suicide seemed like the only way. I called you… the magic words were ‘I care.’ You people gave me a chance.”
Jean
Helpline caller
Ways to Help Yourself Stop Feeling Suicidal
Daily Self-Care & Mindfulness
There’s no one-size-fits-all way to feel better, but some small steps that can help ground you and support your well-being include:
Talking to a trusted friend or family member can help you feel less alone. You might start by sharing how you’ve been feeling lately, talking about stress you’ve been under, or letting them know you’ve been having a hard time. You don’t have to share everything at once – just opening the door to a conversation can be a powerful first step. If you’re not sure who to talk to or feel more comfortable speaking to someone else, you can always call or text our 24/7 Helpline for free, confidential support.
Practice coping skills such as the following:
- Journaling: Write down what you’re feeling to get thoughts out of your head and onto paper.
- Deep breathing or grounding techniques: Focus on your breath, name five things you can see, or hold something that feels comforting.
Small daily actions can have a big impact:
- Get enough sleep
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat healthy foods
- Move your body in a way that feels good: walk, stretch, dance, or just step outside.
Find a Therapist
You don’t have to go through this alone. Talking with a therapist can give you a safe space to explore your feelings, learn coping strategies, and receive support tailored to your unique needs. There are many options to fit your comfort and schedule, from in-person or virtual sessions to support groups. Talking to your PCP or insurance company are great ways to find a therapist, although these resources can also help you find a therapist who is right for you in Massachusetts:
Create a Safety Plan
A safety plan gives you a clear, step-by-step guide for what to do when you’re feeling overwhelmed or in crisis. It can include your personal warning signs, coping strategies, and a list of people and resources you can turn to for support. You can make a safety plan online at mysafetyplan.org, or call us on our 24/7 Helpline if you’d like support. We can walk through it together to make sure it works for your needs.
Feeling Suicidal? Call or Text Our 24/7 Helpline
If you’re feeling suicidal, you are not alone. No matter what you’re feeling, we are here to listen. Call or text us any time at 988.
Need to help someone who is struggling?
Many people are afraid to talk about suicide, but it is often a great relief to someone thinking about suicide to know that you have noticed their pain. If you worry that someone you know may be suicidal, we have a few suggestions about to help support them.
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