Suicide Prevention

Help Prevent Suicide

Someone dies from suicide every 11 minutes - and over the past two decades, suicide rates have increased. Suicide can touch anyone, anywhere, and at any time. But it is not inevitable. There is hope. By starting the conversation and providing support to those who need it, we all can help prevent suicide and save lives. The Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

Help for You

Talking with someone about your thoughts and feelings can save your life. There are steps you can take to keep yourself safe through a crisis. You can call 988 or go to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website to get support. You can also find resources on:

  • Finding a therapist/support group.
  • Building and using a support network.
  • Making a safety plan for yourself.

Learn how to recognize the warning signs when someone's at risk and what you can do to help. If you believe someone may be in danger of suicide call 911 (if the danger for self-harm seems imminent.)

Virtual Suicide Prevention Training

QPR Institute Question, Persuade, and Refer

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer - the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide.

The QPR Institute created this model and the Town of Lexington Human Services Department will be providing hour-long QPR community Gatekeeper trainings to those who might be interested.

Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. Each year thousands of Americans are saying "Yes" to saving the life of a friend, colleague, sibling, or neighbor.

To inquire about upcoming QPR trainings, contact Email Sharon Gunda, LICSW

5 Action Steps

  • Ask/Listen: Ask them if they are thinking about killing themselves. (This will not put the idea into their head or make it more likely that they will attempt suicide.) Listen to them without judging, and show you care.
  • Be There: Stay with the person (or make sure the person is in a private, secure place with another caring person) until you can get further help.
  • Keep Them Safe: Remove any objects that could be used in a suicide attempt (source)
  • Help Them Connect: Help them find resources, like the Lifeline
  • Follow Up: See how they're doing - call, text - check back with them.

These 5 steps have been proven to help people who may be suicidal. Find out more about these 5 steps.

LGBTQ+ Suicide Prevention Resources

View the Resource Directory for LGBTQ+ Suicide Prevention Resources.

Additional Resources

View the Resource Directory for Additional Resources.