Menu of Suicide Prevention Actions

What Individuals can do...

Encourage people in need to see their primary care physician for assessment and referrals for treatment.

Encourage survivors of suicide to participate in suicide prevention task forces, coalitions, focus groups, peer programs and special events in your community.

Volunteer to assist with and undergo suicide prevention training in community settings.

Support efforts to ensure children receive training in coping and communication skills in school. The curriculum must be modified as children mature to ensure applicability.

Support legislation to educate public school employees about youth suicide and prevention.

Encourage behaviors that strengthen resilience and form relationships.

Learn how to recognize the signs of depression, suicide, and drug abuse (including prescription drugs).

Share information with clergy, parents and others who are the first line of defense in responding to the needs of someone in crisis.

Help create awareness about the national hotline number 1-800-273-TALK and national public awareness resources.

Share information about the state’s suicide prevention strategy as often and in many places as possible.

Share messages that help to de-stigmatize depression, suicide and mental illness so the public views them as an illness, not something to be ashamed of.

Be willing to work with a variety of organizations that advocate for suicide prevention.