Content note: This article discusses suicide and suicide prevention resources.
Suicide can be a scary thing to talk about. Even as someone with extensive training in suicide prevention, my heart always beats a bit faster when managing situations where someone’s safety is in question.
There’s a common misconception that talking about suicide can make things worse, that asking someone if they’re having thoughts of suicide can put the idea of suicide in their head or otherwise encourage them to act on the suicidal thoughts. The important thing to know is that research has repeatedly shown that talking about suicide does not increase the chance of suicide. In fact, talking with a person directly can actually lower the risk of suicide occurring because it shows you care and are open to talking about suicide without judgement.
This show of care and concern is a big part of suicide prevention. Research has found feeling a sense of belonging and connection are protective factors against suicide. This means that when someone feels connected to other people, such as friends, family, or colleagues, or experiences a sense of belonging within a community, their risk of suicide is lowered. Another protective factor is having a place where one feels accepted and safe to be themselves. Being part of a community space free from discrimination, bullying, and violence helps us to feel accepted, valued, and that we matter.
Belonging, meaningful connection, safety, and acceptance are all things that online communities can provide. Community guidelines that clearly convey the rules and vibes of the space help new members feel like they know what to expect which, in turn, fosters a sense of safety. Community rituals and norms, like a question of the day or special emotes, can boost belonging and encourage appropriate social sharing. Regular interaction, such a streams, discussions, or check-ins, can create a sense of consistency and stability in a world without much of either. Replies, reactions, community spotlights, and awards help community members feel seen and valued.
So if you’re a community leader out there wondering how to help, never underestimate the importance of a kind word and a safe space!
Sometimes people need more support than we can give them, and that’s ok. If you feel in over your head or aren’t sure what to do, a solid strategy is to provide the person you’re concerned about with supportive services and encourage them to connect with them. Oftentimes in our digital communities, we don’t have information such as where someone lives or what local resources are available to them. If that’s the case, there are many national hotlines and warmlines you can direct people to.
988 is the national suicide prevention hotline in the United States, but there are several other options that can provide more specific support. For example, Trans Lifeline is a suicide hotline for transgender people. The Trevor Project has a suicide prevention hotline specifically for LGBTQ+ youth. The Crisis Text Line allows people to connect with a crisis counselor via text and WhatsApp. For those concerned about police involvement, Project LETS has a list of warmlines and hotlines that do not involve police. On the Take This resources page is the Find a Helpline widget that provides hotline information based on location and concern.
Keep in mind that callers do not need to be actively in crisis to call or text crisis resources. Mental health hotlines and warmlines are there to help with feelings of sadness, anxiety, stress, overwhelm, grief, and relationship distress. They’re also there for people who are supporting people in crisis. If you’re supporting a friend or community member, you can call these hotlines and warmlines to get support for yourself as well as resources for the person you’re supporting.
Suicide is preventable and online digital communities can play a role in providing the meaningful social connection and supportive spaces that lower suicide risk. For those who want to know more about suicide prevention, you can check out NAMI’s suicide prevention tool kit or sign up for coursework in mental health first aid. To learn more about supporting someone after a loss to suicide, Suicide Grief 101: For Volunteers and Support Professionals is a downloadable resource with lots of information on how to be supportive in the wake of suicide loss. If you have lost someone you care about to suicide, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has resources for survivors, how to talk with kids about suicide loss, and suicide loss support groups.
This article is not a substitute for medical advice or professional counseling. While we at Take This want to provide you with resources, we do not recommend or endorse any particular site, treatment, therapy, or resource. We provide these links at our sole discretion but have not necessarily vetted or reviewed any particular resource. We assume no liability for the use of the information or resources on these sites and encourage you to use your own best judgment when reviewing these resources.
If you live in the US and you’re having suicidal thoughts, reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or call/text 988. If you’re outside the US, you can find local crisis lines at Suicide.org. If you’re even debating whether you should call them, you should call them. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline handles all psychological crises, not just suicide.