Learn the signs, facts, and how you can help prevent suicide.

LGBTQIA+ people experience disproportionally high rates of anxiety, depression, and other risk factors that lead to suicide - especially in rural and isolated communities like Southern Illinois.

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If you or someone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, please go to our hotlines section and speak with a professional.
Relevant crisis hotlines include:

• Crisis Text Line at crisistextline.org or 741-741
• Call Blackline at callblackline.org or 800-604-5841
• National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988lifeline.org or 988
• The Deaf Hotline at thedeafhotline.org or 855-812-1001
• LGBT National Help Center at lgbthotline.org or 888-843-4563
• St. Louis Queer+ Helpline at thesqsh.org or 314-380-7774
• The Trevor Project at thetrevorproject.org or 866-488-7386
• Trans Lifeline at translifeline.org or 877-565-8860

Recommended Providers

What are the warning signs?

Learning the warning signs of suicide plays a huge part in preventing crises in those around you. Connecting the dots and recognizing the signs can make the difference whether someone will get professional support. Warning signs can vary from person to person, so it is vital to know if one person's "normal" is another person's crisis.

• Hopeless comments [ex. "Nothing really matters," "I just want to end it all"]
• New sleep problems, like insomnia, sleeping too much, or not being to stay asleep
• New preoccupation/obsession with death [ex. being overtly and suddenly fascinated with music, art, or poetry with morbid themes]
• School and/or work problems [ex. Trouble with keeping grades up or keeping up with tasks]
• Excessive use of drugs and/or alcohol
• Dramatic changes in behavior or personality
• Recent loss (or threat of loss) of a loved one
• Lack of planning for the future
• Giving away important personal possessions
• Sudden changes in mood, especially from depression to cheerfulness
• Specific plans like when, where, and how an attempt will be made
• General signs/symptoms of depression​

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What should I do?

If a loved one is in crisis, you should seek professional help immediately such as dialing 988. Some behaviors that may indicate an emergency or crisis include...

• Talking about immediate harm to oneself or others
• Planning to attempt suicide
• Acting in an erratic manner that causes safety concerns

If a loved one is not in crisis but exhibits general risk factors of suicide or depression, you should...

• Assume you are the only one who will reach out to them. When everyone assumes that someone else will intervene, no one will. Be that person and talk to them in private.
• Have an honest conversation. Listen to their feelings and experiences seriously. Avoid debating the value of life, minimizing their problems, or giving them advice. Research shows that these are more likely to turn them away from you than help. Ask them directly if they are considering suicide and tell them that you care about them.
• Help them connect. If they are considering suicide, stay with them. Help them remove lethal means or weapons, and help them call a hotline, professional help, escort them to a mental health clinic, or book an appointment with a therapist.

Recommended Apps

Check out these resources about suicide prevention.