By: Miriam Fuchs, LMSW
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10–24, according to the CDC, and remains a significant public health concern for adults as well. Yet, despite its impact, suicide is still not spoken about enough. Many people who experience suicidal thoughts keep their pain inside. Additionally, early signs can be easy to mistake for typical stress, mood changes, or “just a bad week.” With awareness, open communication, and support, families, friends, and caregivers can play a critical role in preventing suicide and helping their loved ones heal.
One of the most important steps in prevention is learning to recognize warning signs. For both teens and adults, prolonged sadness, withdrawal, irritability, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm should never be dismissed. Significant changes in sleep, appetite, daily functioning, or work performance may signal emotional distress. Many individuals turn inward socially, distancing themselves from friends, family, or activities they usually enjoy. Research from the NIMH shows that a notable shift in behavior, especially when combined with feelings of hopelessness, is one of the strongest indicators that someone may be struggling.
Suicide affects people across all ages, backgrounds, and identities. Anyone can be at risk, even those without an official mental health diagnosis. Risk factors include depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, bullying, discrimination, chronic stress, financial hardship, health problems, family conflict, substance use, and exposure to suicide in their community or peer group. Major life transitions such as breakups, job loss, divorce, chronic illness, and academic or workplace pressure can also trigger crises. It is important to note that many individuals who die by suicide communicate their distress beforehand. Statements such as “I can’t do this anymore,” “Everyone would be better off without me,” or “I just want it to stop” should always be taken seriously, regardless of age.
If you notice concerning changes or hear alarming statements, initiating a direct conversation is essential. Many people avoid asking about suicide because they fear it will “put the idea in someone’s head,” but research shows the opposite. When people ask about suicide directly, it decreases risk and opens the door to a life-saving dialogue. Begin with gentle curiosity, such as “I’ve noticed you’ve been having a hard time lately. Can we talk about what you’re feeling?” If you suspect suicidal thinking, ask calmly and without judgment: “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?” or “Have you been having thoughts of suicide?” Listen deeply, validate their pain, and avoid dismissing or minimizing their feelings.
These conversations often help lay the groundwork for a safety plan, which clinicians can later formalize. A safety plan can include warning signs, personal triggers, coping strategies such as deep breathing, grounding techniques, journaling, or music, supportive people to contact, and professional resources. One of the most effective steps in suicide prevention is reducing access to lethal means. Because suicidal crises are often impulsive, restricting access to firearms, medications, toxic substances, sharp objects, or other potential methods saves lives. Firearms, in particular, should be removed from the home when possible or kept locked, unloaded, and stored separately from ammunition.
Professional support is an essential part of preventing suicide for both teens and adults. If you or someone you care about is struggling, reach out to a primary care doctor, therapist, school or workplace counselor, or community mental health program. If there is immediate danger, call Eran’s national suicide hotline at *1201 or Sahar’s crisis line at +972-55-957-1399, go to the nearest emergency room, or contact emergency services. No one should ever be left alone during an active crisis. Therapy, medication, and supportive interventions such as exercise, mindfulness, community connection, and consistent routines can significantly reduce symptoms and increase coping skills.
As treatment begins, it’s crucial to surround your loved one with hope, patience, and compassionate understanding. Social connection whether through family, friends, colleagues, mentors, or community groups plays a powerful protective role against despair. Many people benefit from structured routines, better sleep, and regular physical activity. Normalize the process of seeking help as one in five people experiences a mental health condition at some point. Remember, treatment is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Healing is not linear. People of all ages may have setbacks, moments of discouragement, or periods where progress slows. This is a natural part of recovery. What matters most is that individuals feel heard, supported, and not alone in their journey.
If you ever have safety concerns, reach out to the resources below.
About Sahar: Sahar Website, SMS or Call- +972-55-957-1399
Sahar is dedicated to providing free and confidential support and information over online chat. We support everyone in Israel who may need emotional support with anxiety, depression, loneliness, suicide. As part of our commitment to preventing suicide, we are available to help you if you are considering suicide or harming yourself, or if you are noticing warning signs in a friend or family member.
When you contact us you will talk with one of our trained volunteers who are experienced in how to help people in your situation. They will listen to you, unpack your story and feelings, and work with you to help you through your challenges. Anyone may call and get support. We help everyone, regardless of age, gender, religious views, or nationality.
About ERAN: Emotional First Aid Eran Website, SMS- 052-999-3544, Call *1201
ERAN provides Lifesaving Emotional First Aid Services, offering initial response and emotional support on the phone and online, while maintaining strict confidentiality and anonymity. ERAN supports in situations such as dealing with trauma, depression, economic distress, teen challenges, loneliness, violence, abuse, eating disorders, self-image & sexual identity, difficulty in raising children, distress of Holocaust survivors, anxiety, war and Post trauma.
Information Taken from Find a Helpline
Here are 5 steps you can take to help someone who is having thoughts of suicide:
From the National Institute of Mental Health:
- ASK: “Are you thinking about suicide?” It’s not an easy question to ask, but it can help start a conversation. Studies show that asking people if they are suicidal does not increase suicidal behavior or thoughts.
- BE THERE: Listening without judgment is key to learning what the person is thinking and feeling. Research suggests acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce suicidal thoughts.
- HELP KEEP THEM SAFE: Reducing access to highly lethal items or places can help prevent suicide. Asking the person if they have a plan and making lethal means less available or less deadly can help the person stay safe when suicidal thoughts arise.
- HELP THEM CONNECT: Connecting the person with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) and other community resources can give them a safety net when they need it. You can also help them reach out to a trusted family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.
- FOLLOW UP: Staying in touch with the person after they have experienced a crisis or been discharged from care can make a difference. Studies show that supportive, ongoing contact can play an important role in suicide prevention.
