Resources for Suicide Prevention

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There are more than 34,000 suicides each year, and suicide is the third leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 24. Kids (or adults) in distress, as well as family and friends concerned about them, can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK), a confidential service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. After being routed to the nearest of Lifeline’s 147 centers nationwide, callers receive help from trained crisis workers and, if needed, referrals for mental health professionals.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research and educational campaigns. AFSP also works with those grieving the loss of loved ones. The website provides specific information on risk factors, warning signs, and what to do if you think someone’s in trouble–as well as offering information on More Than Sad, a program for teens and educators.

Also for teens, a Columbia University-affiliated organization called TeenScreen provides voluntary confidential screenings for mental health illnesses, including depression, on high school campuses across the country.

– Sam Dangremond

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