There can be stretches when you do not want to be here anymore. It does not mean something is wrong with you. It does mean it is worth telling someone. For most people who have these thoughts, support and treatment work.
If the thoughts feel like a plan, call or text 988 now. In an emergency, call 911.
Who you can call
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Call or text 988, or chat at chat.988lifeline.org. Free and confidential, any hour. It is for anyone who is struggling; you do not have to be suicidal to reach out.
- Veterans Crisis Line
- Dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255. For veterans and service members, and for the family and friends who support them. You do not need to be enrolled with the VA.
- Crisis Text Line
- Text HOME to 741741, any hour, anywhere in the U.S.
- Your own doctor
- A doctor who knows you is a reasonable first call.
- A hospice
- If a hospice cared for him, ask to be put on its bereavement plan of care, for up to a year after the death. The National Institute on Aging says you can also ask a hospice for bereavement support, even one that did not care for him.
- Local help
- The Eldercare Locator, 1-800-677-1116 or eldercare.acl.gov, finds services near you through your local Area Agency on Aging.
If you are reading this about someone else
You can ask her directly. The 988 Lifeline says that asking directly does not put the idea in her head, and that talking about it may help.