Use a layered approach: identify risk early, strengthen protective factors, decrease access to lethal means, and ensure rapid follow-up. Effective prevention is consistent, compassionate, and easy to access.
Best-practice stack
- Ask directly about suicide; listen without judgment; validate pain.
- Safety plan: warning signs, coping skills, safe people/places, crisis numbers, means
safety. - Warm handoffs to care; schedule follow-up within 48–72 hours.
- Community layer: QPR/safeTALK/ASIST training, school/workplace protocols, responsible
media.
If you’re in immediate danger: In the U.S., call or text 988. Outside the U.S., visit FindAHelpline.com.