Asking for help when things get tough is the bravest thing you can do. At On Call Hope™, we’re here for you 24/7, ready to help you navigate these challenging moments. Your feelings are valid, your struggles are real, and your mental health matters. Let us be your lifeline.

CRISIS: Urgent Therapist Connect

Healing Begins Today January 1, 2024

Crisis / 911

Urgent Therapist Connect
Asking for help when things get tough is the bravest thing you can do. At On Call Hope, we’re here for you 24/7, ready to help you navigate these challenging moments. Your feelings are valid, your struggles are real, and your mental health matters. Let us be your lifeline.

Dealing with mental illness isn’t just part of our mission; it’s personal to us. Many of us at On Call Hope have been there. From childhood struggles to adult battles with mental health, we’ve seen firsthand how isolating and painful these experiences can be. Your pain is real, and your feelings are valid. And it’s not something you should navigate alone.

You don’t have to face this alone. We’re here, and we’re ready to help right now.

If you’re feeling hopeless, suicidal, or overwhelmed by crisis, you don’t have to face it alone. We have qualified therapists on-call 24/7, ready to provide instant, compassionate support.

Click HERE to connect with a trained professional who can guide you through this crisis, listen to your concerns, and provide immediate assistance at any time of day or night.

If you believe your life or someone else’s life is in immediate danger, please dial 911 immediately.

You matter. We’re in this together.

Living with Suicidal Thoughts

Understanding Suicidal Thoughts

Experiencing suicidal thoughts is more common than many realize, yet it remains an incredibly frightening and isolating experience. These thoughts and feelings accumulate over time, often causing an intense focus on death or dying. They can persistently cloud your mind, affecting daily functioning for extended periods. Such thoughts may be triggered by sudden life changes, traumatic events, or profound grief – be it due to the loss of a loved one, unemployment, discontinuation of support services, or drastic alterations to our usual way of life.

Grief, in this context, can manifest in various forms, including shock, anxiety, distress, frustration, or profound sadness. These emotions can culminate in a feeling of being overwhelmed, hopeless, and unable to cope, sometimes leading to a loss of the will to live.

The fear of acting on suicidal thoughts is terrifying. It signifies a crisis situation and necessitates immediate help. Call a suicide hotline, visit a hospital emergency room, or reach out to a trusted individual who can offer support. It’s okay to ask for help.

Suicidal thoughts that pop into your head may not mean you have an actual desire to die. Still, it’s not always so simple to brush them off. Sometimes, people use alcohol or drugs to feel better, but the long-term effects of substance use can lead to emotional and mental health problems. Whether or not there is intent behind your suicidal thoughts, these thoughts are often a sign of mental illness.

The Impact of Social Isolation

Social isolation can significantly increase the likelihood of experiencing suicidal thoughts. Maintaining connections, despite physical distance, is crucial for mental well-being. Regular calls with family members, participating in virtual book clubs with friends, or spending time with pets can offer comfort and a sense of connection during challenging times.

Coping Mechanisms and Their Consequences

It is important to acknowledge that while suicidal thoughts may not necessarily indicate a genuine desire to die, dismissing them is often not straightforward. Some individuals resort to alcohol or drugs in an attempt to alleviate their distress, but this can exacerbate emotional and mental health problems over time. Even without a clear intent to act on these thoughts, their presence often indicates an underlying mental illness

The Link Between Mental Illness and Suicide

Several mental health conditions, including depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and schizophrenia, are closely associated with an increased risk of suicide. Additionally, certain medications can induce suicidal thoughts as a side effect. It is crucial to consult your healthcare provider about potential side effects when starting a new medication

Empowering Yourself Through Awareness

If you suspect you are experiencing a mental illness like depression or anxiety, consider undergoing a mental health screening. Understanding your experiences and their underlying causes can empower you to seek appropriate help, fostering hope and resilience to continue living.

Remember, acknowledging and addressing your mental health is a critical step towards healing and recovery. You are not alone in this journey, and help is available.

You Are Not Alone

In 2021, an estimated 12.3 million American adults seriously thought about suicide. That’s 5% of the U.S. adult population. Of those adults, 3.5 million planned a suicide attempt. Most people find the strength to go on living, which is a good reason to hope that things can get better. 

Certain demographics experience higher rates of suicide compared to others, with variations observed across different racial or ethnic groups, ages, geographical locations, and other specific factors. For instance, non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native individuals exhibit the highest suicide rates, followed by non-Hispanic White individuals. Additionally, veterans, individuals residing in rural areas, and those employed in specific industries and occupations like mining and construction tend to have higher-than-average suicide rates. Moreover, young individuals identifying as lesbian, gay, or bisexual exhibit a higher prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors compared to their heterosexual peers.

Suicidal thoughts are serious, but you don’t have to face them alone. Sharing your feelings with a trustworthy person—a friend, family member, or counselor—can help put your thoughts in perspective and help you feel more in control. 

If you’re unsure who to talk to, call or text our crisis line. 

Why am I Having Suicidal Thoughts?

Suicidal thoughts may arise for various reasons, including experiencing a traumatic event, suffering from mental illness, feeling hopeless, or being under extreme stress. These thoughts are a sign of extreme distress, not a reflection of your character.

Grief, resulting from loss, such as the death of a loved one, unemployment, or loss of support services, can lead to feelings of shock, anxiety, distress, frustration, or sadness. These emotions can make us feel overwhelmed, hopeless, and powerless to cope, feeling like we’ve lost our reason to live.

Even if suicidal thoughts pop into your head without an actual desire to die, it’s not always easy to brush them off. Some people use alcohol or drugs to feel better, but this can lead to emotional and mental health problems in the long run. Whether there is intent behind your suicidal thoughts or not, they often indicate mental illness.

Depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and schizophrenia all have links to suicide. Certain medications can also induce suicidal thoughts as a side effect. If you start a new medication, consult your doctor about potential side effects.

If you suspect you have a mental illness like depression or anxiety, consider taking one of our mental health screens. Understanding your experiences can empower you to find hope and continue living.

How Can I Help Myself?

It’s essential to remember that you are not alone. Millions of people, just like you, have gone through similar struggles and have found the strength to continue living. Here are some strategies that may help you cope with suicidal thoughts:
  • Stay Connected: Maintain relationships with friends and family, even if it’s online. Social support is crucial.
  • Develop a Safety Plan: Write down a list of steps to follow if you feel you are at risk of harming yourself. This can include contacting a friend, family member, or helpline.
  • Practice Mindfulness and Meditation: These techniques can help you stay grounded and relaxed.
  • Seek Professional Help: Contact a mental health professional or a helpline.
  • Avoid Alcohol and Drug Abuse: Substance abuse can worsen your feelings.
  • Stay Active: Exercise can improve your mood and reduce anxiety.
  • Limit Exposure to Stressors: Minimize contact with people or situations that cause you stress.
  • Create a Daily Routine: Having a structured day can create a sense of normalcy and predictability.
  • List Reasons to Live: Write down reasons to stay alive, no matter how small they seem.
  • Express Yourself: Find creative ways to express your feelings, such as through art, music, or writing.
Remember, it’s okay to ask for help. If you’re not sure who to talk to, call or text our crisis line.

How can I tell someone I’m suicidal?

It can be incredibly challenging to talk about suicidal feelings, but it’s crucial to reach out for support. Here is a template that might help you start the conversation:
“For the past (day/week/month/______), I have been feeling (hopeless and exhausted). I have struggled with (thoughts about dying). Telling you this makes me feel (nervous), but I’m telling you this because (I’m worried about myself and I don’t know what to do). I would like to (talk more about this) and I need your help.”
Make sure to choose someone you trust and feel comfortable with.

How can I get help without my family knowing?

If you’re seeking help but don’t want your family to know, you can start by reaching out to friends, teachers, counselors, or helplines. You can also see a mental health professional privately, though this may require financial resources. Remember that your safety and well-being are the most important things, and sometimes it might be necessary to involve your family, especially if you are in immediate danger.

I feel better. Can I go off my meds?

It’s great that you’re feeling better, but it’s essential not to stop taking your medication without consulting your healthcare provider. Stopping medication abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms and a recurrence of symptoms. Your healthcare provider can help you decide if it’s the right time to taper off your medication and can guide you through the process safely.

What happens if I call a Crisis line?

When you call a mental health crisis line, you will be connected to a trained crisis counselor who will listen to your concerns, provide support, and help you create a safety plan if necessary. The call is confidential and free. The counselor may also provide you with resources and referrals for further help. If you are in immediate danger, the counselor may contact emergency services to ensure your safety.

Losing a Loved One to Suicide

Losing a loved one is always devastating, but losing someone to suicide can bring on a myriad of complex emotions and challenges that are unique to this type of loss. Feelings of guilt, anger, confusion, and even rejection are common. You may find yourself questioning if you could have done anything to prevent it or if there were any signs you missed. It is essential to remember that healing is possible, and seeking help is okay.

The Grieving Process

Grief after a suicide is complicated and can feel incredibly isolating. It’s common to experience a range of emotions, including sadness, guilt, anger, and even relief, particularly if your loved one struggled with mental health issues for a long time. Everyone grieves in their own way and at their own pace. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and it’s essential to be kind and compassionate to yourself during this process.

Finding Support

Connecting with others who have experienced a similar loss can be incredibly healing, providing a safe and supportive environment to share your feelings and experiences, and to learn coping strategies. These groups can be found in your local community or online. Additionally, individual therapy can also be beneficial in helping you process your grief and develop strategies for healing.

Taking Care of Yourself

Self-care is crucial during this time. Make sure to get enough rest, eat a balanced diet, exercise, and engage in activities that bring you joy. It’s also important to lean on your support network — don’t hesitate to reach out to friends and family for help.

Honoring Your Loved One

Finding ways to honor your loved one can be a meaningful part of the healing process. This can be as simple as lighting a candle, creating a memory book, or organizing a memorial event. Choose something that feels right for you and allows you to remember your loved one in a way that is meaningful to you.

Moving Forward

Healing from the loss of a loved one to suicide is a journey that takes time. It’s okay to have good days and bad days. It’s okay to laugh and find joy in life again. Moving forward does not mean forgetting your loved one; it means finding a way to honor their memory and live a fulfilling life. Remember to be kind to yourself and seek help if you need it. You are not alone.

It’s Okay to Talk About Suicide

Suicide is a deeply troubling, complex issue that affects not just the individual, but the family and community that surrounds them. Feeling suicidal often stems from a sense of profound pain that makes death seem like the only possible relief. It’s vital to acknowledge that this pain is very real, but it’s not an absolute reality. The human mind holds more power than we often realize. With compassionate guidance and therapeutic support, we aim to help individuals recognize their own capacity to influence and navigate their mental state, thus providing an alternative path to alleviating their suffering.
  • Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14 and the 3rd leading cause of death among those aged 15-24 in the U.S.
  • ​Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.
  • 46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition
  • 90% of people who die by suicide may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition, according to interviews with family, friends and medical professionals (also known as psychological autopsy)
  • Annual prevalence of serious thoughts of suicide, high risk populations:
    • U.S. Adults: annual average 4.8%
      • Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander: 7.4%
      • Mixed/Multiracial: 8.2%
      • American Indian/Alaska Native: 8.5%
    • Youth Populations
      • Young adults aged 18-25: 13%
      • High school students: 22%
      • LGBTQ youth: 45%
  • Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are nearly 4x more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth
  • 79% of people who die by suicide are male
  • Transgender adults are nearly 9x more likely to attempt suicide at some point in their lifetime compared to the general population

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text our crisis line and get connected with a trained therapist immediately.

Crisis Help

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
If it is a mental health emergency that does not require urgent medical intervention, click here for immediate help.