Need support now?
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide or experiencing emotional distress, call, text, or chat with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). Trained counselors are available 24/7.
Suicide can be prevented
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Vermont’s youth. It is higher than the national average. Suicide is not caused by a single factor. Instead, a combination of factors at the individual, relationship, community, and societal levels can increase or decrease the risk of suicide.
Help is Available
Many people struggle with difficult feelings, and help is just a call, text, or chat away. If you need help for yourself or someone you know, connect with one of these resources. If you or someone you know is in a crisis, call 911.
988 was formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 988 provides free and confidential call, chat, or text support for people in distress and people seeking to support someone in distress. Dial, text, or chat at 988.
Counselors support LGBTQ+ youth 24/7. For people younger than age 25 in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk. Call 1-866-488-7386, Text START to 678678, or chat online.
Hope Coaches support students and young adults in crisis by offering sound advice and a safe place to connect 24/7. Choose from a list of topics, including sex, relationships, abuse, or self-harm; explore resources; and chat with a live Hope Coach.
A trans-led organization that connects trans people with community, peer support, and the resources they need to survive and thrive. Call 1-877-565-8860.
Provides information and connections to treatment through the state's crisis services. Call 2-1-1
Find a Designated Agency for Mental Health in your Vermont county.
Warning Signs
If you're a parent, caregiver, educator, coach, or anyone who works with or cares about young people, learning the warning signs of suicide can help you recognize when someone may need support. The resources below can help you understand the warning signs and know how to respond.
Many of the warning signs of suicide can be the same for youth and adults. However, because children, teens, and young adults are at different stages of development, some additional warning signs may apply. Not every young person struggling will show the same signs, but the following behaviors may indicate someone needs help.
- Physical changes in appearance or hygiene
- Increase in alcohol or other substance use and misuse
- Sudden drop in grades
- Social withdrawal
- Talking about suicide or preoccupation with death
- Risky or reckless behaviors, such as driving too fast or wanting to run away from home
- Self-harm behaviors such as cutting
- Researching suicide methods and/or acquiring methods for self-harm, such as weapons or large quantities of medication
How to Help a Young Person or Friend
If you think a young person may be thinking about suicide, there are numerous ways to provide support.
- If they are in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency services.
- Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone, text, or chat. Services are free, confidential, and available in English and Spanish.
- Talk with them directly. It's okay to ask, "Are you thinking about suicide?" Research shows that asking about suicide does not increase the risk or put the idea in someone's head.
- Listen without judgment. Take their feelings seriously, let them know you care, and remind them they don't have to face this alone.
- Connect them with professional help. Schedule an appointment with their primary care provider or a mental health professional as soon as possible.
- Follow the recommendations of their care team. They may suggest counseling, therapy, medication, or other supports based on the young person's needs.
- If they cannot be kept safe at home, seek immediate help. Their care team may recommend evaluation at a hospital or treatment through an intensive outpatient or inpatient program.
- Encourage connection. Spending time with supportive family members, friends, and other trusted adults can help young people feel less alone. Make time to connect and encourage healthy relationships.
- Talk about social media. Check in regularly about your young person's online experiences. Social media can provide connection and support, but it can also expose youth to bullying, harassment, unrealistic comparisons, or harmful content.
- Help them stay connected at home and at school. Feeling supported by family, friends, and trusted adults is an important protective factor that can reduce suicide risk and promote overall well-being.
If you think your friend may be in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
If you’re not sure how to be there at other times, being there is all it takes to be a real friend
You don't need the perfect words to be there for a friend. Just being yourself and being there can be deeply meaningful. Check out these resources to learn how to support a friend – or get help for yourself.
- Find a moment to talk. Don’t worry if you’re at a loss for words. Conversation guides can help you get started.
- Know when extra help is needed. You don’t need to be an expert to recognize when someone needs outside help- if you can tell a friend isn’t doing well, they might need a greater network of support. Learn the signs.
- Take care of your own mental health. If you’re experiencing increased stress, anxiety, sadness, or other mental health concerns, you’re not alone. Learn self-care strategies and how to get additional help for yourself if you need it.
