The Another Day With You campaign is about creating conversations and taking action to move people from hopelessness to help, healing, and recovery. We believe that starts with educating ourselves about suicide so we know what to look for and what to do if we recognize the signs and risk factors.

Look for signs.

No one thing causes suicide, but rather the culmination of life stressors and experiences can create a feeling of hopelessness so grave it causes someone to consider suicide.

If someone you know is experiencing one or more of these risk factors, it’s important to look for suicide warning signs. After familiarizing yourself with these signs and risk factors, we encourage you to share these images on social media and with those in your community to help educate others. If you’ve purchased this year’s WSPD pack, you’ll also find a version of these lists in your set of Another Day With You Conversation Cards.

Ask the questions.

If you’re concerned about someone, or they are showing some of the warning signs, please know it’s OK to ask the question: “Are you thinking about suicide?” or “Are you thinking of hurting yourself?”

Asking this question can feel uncomfortable and even a little scary, but being direct with the person you’re concerned about and listening to them is important. You will not cause someone to start thinking about suicide simply by asking. On the contrary, by starting the conversation you’ll be making space for honesty, compassion, and the possibility of help to exist. If someone shares that they are considering suicide or have a plan, it’s important to reach out for help immediately—whether that involves going to the nearest mental health center or emergency room (if the situation requires this immediacy), or picking up the phone and calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.

To continue learning more about suicide and suicide prevention:

• Attend the “Calming the Biological Storm of Deadly Thinking” webinar with Dr. Alauna Curry (Sunday, September 5 at 7:30 pm ET)
• Listen to the “Suicidal Ideation” episode of the TWLOHA Podcast
• Watch the recording of our “Understanding Suicide” roundtable conversation