Mental Health Resources & Suicide Prevention
Emotional Support and Crisis Helplines
Many people are uncomfortable talking about suicide. However, talking about suicide does not increase the risk that someone will attempt suicide.
Warning Signs for Suicide
- Current talk of suicide or making a plan.
- Signs of depression, such as moodiness, hopelessness, withdrawal.
- Strong wish to die or preoccupation with death.
- Giving away prized possessions.
- Increased alcohol and/or drug use.
- Hinting at not being around in the future or saying goodbye.
If someone needs help NOW (available 24/7)
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988
- If someone is an IMMEDIATE harm to self or others, do not wait call 911.
There are three very important things to do, if you notice warning signs for suicide or if someone tells you they are thinking about suicide.
The following are 24/7, free and confidential.
Lifeline
- Call: 988 Crisis Hotline
- Chat Online
- Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Hearing Loss
- TTY: 1-800-799-4889
- Chat Online
Veterans
- Call: 1-800-273-8255, press 1
- Text: 838-255
- Veterans Chat
- Spanish Speaking
- Call: 1-800-985-5990
- Text: TalkWithUs to 66746
- TTY: 1-800-846-8517
- Spanish Speaking or multilingual
- Call: 1-800-985-5990, press 2
- Text: Hablanos to 66746
988 National Suicide and Crisis Hotline
What you can do
1
Show you care. Let the person know you really care. Talk and listen carefully to what they have to say.
"I'm worried about you, about how you feel."
"You mean a lot to me. I want to help."
"I'm here, if you need someone to talk to."
2
Ask the question. Be direct and specific in a caring, non-confrontational way. Get the conversation started.
"Are you thinking about suicide?"
"Do you really want to die?"
3
Get help. Never keep talk of suicide a secret, even if you are asked to. It's better to risk a friendship than a life. Do not try to handle the situation on your own. You can be the most help by getting them help.
"I know where we can get some help."
"Let's talk to someone who can help - now."
COVID-19 Mental Health Resources
Stress
- COVID-19 Managing Stress (Yale University)
- Pandemic Stress Blog (WA DOH)
Coping
- "Coping with COVID" (WA DOH)
- Coronavirus: Mental Health Coping Strategies (NAMI)
- Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)
- Be The Difference During COVID-19 (National Council for Behavioral Health)
- Coronavirus: Practicing Wellness While You Stay at Home (John Hopkins Medicine)
Individuals Living with Mental Illness
- Living with Mental Illness during COVID-19 Outbreak - Preparing for Your Wellness (Mental Health America)
Tips
- 10 Well-Being Tips During the Days of COVID-19 (Center for Healthy Minds University of Wisconsin-Madison)
- Benefits of Journaling (Center for Healthy Minds University of Wisconsin-Madison)
- Mood-Boosting Tips for Families During the COVID-19 Pandemic (American Academy of Pediatrics)
- Mental and Emotional Well-Being (Washington State Coronavirus Response)
Local Helpline
- Parent Help Line operated by our local Family Education and Support Services
Talking with Children
- How to Talk to Your Kids about Coronavirus (University of Washington Medicine)
- Talking to Kids about COVID-19 (University of Wisconsin-Madison)
Coping
- Helping Children Cope Emotionally with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) (American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress)
- Helping Children Cope with Change due to COVID-19 (National Association of School Psychologists)
Children with Special Needs
- COVID-19 and Children with Special Health Care Needs (American Academy of Pediatrics)
Additional Resources
- You Matter (988 Lifeline)
- How to Talk to Youth about Suicide (Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide)
- ForeFront Suicide Prevention (University of Washington)
- Washington State Suicide Prevention Plan (WA DOH)
- Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC)
- Health Care Provider Suicide Prevention Training (WA DOH)
- Dreamcatcher PSA (YouTube)
- Suicide Prevention Apps (WA DOH)
Thurston Youth Alive
Is focused on youth suicide prevention. If you have questions, please contact Mary Ann O'Garro at 360-867-2525 or by email