Suicide Prevention: Warning Signs and How to Support Someone in Crisis

Suicide is preventable. If someone is in immediate danger, call your local emergency number (112 in Nigeria) and stay with them. More than 700,000 people die by suicide every year, according to the World Health Organization, and many were struggling with distress that could have been treated. Knowing the warning signs and how to respond can save a life.

What Are the Warning Signs of Suicide?

• Talking about wanting to die, having no reason to live, or being a burden
• Deep hopelessness or feeling trapped
• Withdrawing from family, friends and activities
• Giving away belongings or saying goodbye
• Sudden calm after a long period of depression
• Increased alcohol or drug use
• Reckless behaviour and extreme mood changes

How Can You Support Someone in Crisis?

• Ask directly: “Are you thinking about suicide?” Asking does not plant the idea.
• Listen calmly without judging, lecturing or shaming.
• Do not promise to keep it secret. Their safety matters more.
• Stay with them or make sure someone does.
• Help reduce access to anything they could use to harm themselves.
• Help them contact a doctor or crisis line, and follow up in the days after.
• Avoid religious condemnation or comments like “think of your family.” These can deepen shame.

Where to Get Immediate Help

• Nigeria: emergency 112; SURPIN helpline 0800 078 7746; Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI) 0809 111 6264
• USA and Canada: call or text 988
• UK and Ireland: Samaritans 116 123

Numbers can change, so confirm them before you rely on them.

Long-Term Help and Treatment

Depression, bipolar disorder, substance use and trauma often sit behind suicidal thoughts, and all of them are treatable. A safety plan, supportive people, regular sleep and treatment can restore hope. A psychiatrist can assess risk and recommend therapy or medication. If you or someone you know is struggling, book an appointment with a psychiatrist without delay.

Key Takeaways

• Suicide is preventable, and asking about it directly is safe.
• Listen, stay with the person and connect them to help.
• In an emergency, call 112 or your local emergency number now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does talking about suicide make it more likely?

No. Open, caring conversation reduces isolation and can lower risk.

What if I am the one having these thoughts?

Please reach out now to someone you trust, a crisis line or an emergency service. You do not have to carry this alone.

Does suicidal thinking mean someone is mentally ill?

Not always, but it signals serious distress that deserves professional care.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are in a crisis or emergency, call 112 (Nigeria), 988 (USA/Canada) or Samaritans 116 123 (UK/Ireland) immediately.