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Suicide Prevention, Emotional and Mental Health Support

Like many illnesses, prevention and early intervention can reduce the impact of mental health conditions. Symptoms of mental illness can often be painful and bewildering. But there is hope. And there is help.


Call or Text

Are You in Crisis or Concerned about Someone You Know?

The Idaho Crisis & Suicide Hotline can help. Call or Text 988 or start an online chat now.

The Idaho Crisis & Suicide Hotline provides 24/7 free and confidential crisis intervention, emotional support, problem-solving, and referrals to local resources for persons at risk for suicide and for those concerned about them. You do not have to be in crisis to call.

NOTE: The Idaho Crisis & Suicide Hotline is a member of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and is taking the 988 calls for Idaho as part of the national network of crisis call centers. It is a national line, but the people you'll speak to live here in Idaho.


Did You Know? 

One person dies by suicide every 12 minutes. It is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. 

Idaho has the fifth highest suicide rate in the country. 

Talking about suicide does not increase the likelihood of an attempt. 

Someone who is suicidal is often uncertain and acts impulsively. After receiving support, people who have thought about or attempted suicide can go on to live long lives. 

*Data current as of October 19, 2022, via cdc.gov/suicide/

How to Help

How to Help Yourself

Here are steps you can take if you have thoughts of suicide. 

  • Find positive ways to distract yourself, such as listening to music, watching funny videos, going for a walk or run, drawing, gardening, painting, playing a video game or taking a hot or cold shower.
  • Keep a list of friends or relatives to call and distract you from thoughts of suicide, or a comfortable location in the community that can act as a refuge (like a park, coffee shop, the library, etc.). 
  • Make sure you’re taking care of your physical needs—eating healthy food, drinking plenty of water, getting exercise, sleeping, limiting exposure to negative media and talking with your primary care provider about your health. 
  • Remind yourself of your reasons for living and what is most important to you (e.g., people, hopes, responsibilities and beliefs). 
  • Call someone you trust and can talk with about your thoughts of suicide, someone who can help you find the support you need to stay safe (e.g., a close friend, family member or pastor/minister). 
  • Restrict your access to guns, large quantities of medication (prescribed and over the counter), ropes, cords or other items you have thought about using for suicide. 
  • Call your mental health therapist, family doctor, psychiatrist, a community crisis center or the Idaho Crisis & Suicide Hotline at 988 (available 24/7 days by call or text). 
  • Call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department for evaluation.

How to Help Someone Else

  • Talk to them. Ask about their life. Don’t be afraid to use the word “suicide.” Don’t assume they’re trying to get attention. 
  • Tell them that you care and want to help keep them safe. Offer understanding, hope and resources. (See the Resources sections below.) 
  • Remove or secure lethal means including pills, knives, guns, ropes, etc.
  • Keep an eye on them. Sit with them; walk with them. Help them brainstorm additional supports so they are not alone.
  • Help them stay involved in positive activities.
  • Do not be sworn to secrecy. Seek trained help as soon as possible (e.g., their doctor, a suicide hotline, a mental health therapist).
  • Offer to call the suicide hotline (988) with or for them. 
  • Take them to the Emergency Department for evaluation.

Ninety percent of adults would act if they were worried about someone’s mental health. 

—Harris Insights & Analytics, 2020

Warning Signs

People often exhibit warning signs in the way they talk, act or through their moods before attempting suicide. It is important to know what some common warning signs are so you can look out for them. 

  • Talking about being a burden, having no reason to live, feeling trapped, or experiencing unrelenting pain or a desire not to wake up. It can include statements like “it will all be over soon” and “I am going to kill myself.”
  • Behaviors like withdrawing from activities, isolating from friends and family, saying goodbyes, giving away prized possessions, increasing risk-taking behaviors, starting or increasing drug or alcohol use, changing hygiene and sleep patterns, threatening to harm others or themselves, or looking for ways to end their life. 
  • Changing moods or psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, irritability, rage, humiliation, guilt, shame, loneliness, delusions, hallucinations or relief/sudden improvement.

Protective Factors that Decrease Risk

  • Personal Factors

    Development of resilience and frustration tolerance, as well as good coping and problem-solving skills. Religious beliefs may also provide strength and inspiration.

  • Safe Places

    Safe Environments

    Easy access to places with other people, such as a library or coffee shop. This should be balanced with limited access to means for self-harm, such as drugs, guns, and medication.

  • Social

    Social Support

    Meaningful relationships with people who can offer emotional or material support, or provide distraction. For youth, ensuring a connection with a trusted adult.

  • Future Orientation

    A focus on hope, responsibilities to others (such as family and/or pets), and knowing reasons for living (such as contributions, duties, and beliefs about death/dying).

Factors that Increase Risk 

  • Historical

    Previous suicide attempts, aborted suicide attempts or self-injurious behavior, a family history of suicide or difficult childhood events.

  • Personal

    Stressful life events, triggering events leading to humiliation, shame or despair, financial struggles, deteriorating health, impulsivity, hopelessness, and access to firearms.

  • Social

    Loss of a relationship, family turmoil, social isolation, lack of acceptance for sexual orientation or gender identity, membership in a historically disadvantaged group.

  • Health

    Mental health conditions (anxiety, bipolar, depression, schizophrenia, etc.), substance use disorders, insomnia, a chronic health condition and/or chronic pain.

Community Resource Guides

Community Resource Guides

These resource guides offer information about local supportive resources in the communities that we serve.


Find resources in your community.

Guides by Community

Additional Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Resources

  • Idaho Crisis & Suicide Hotline

  • Veteran Suicide

    • Crisis support for veterans and their loved ones 24/7.

      Call: 988 (press 1)
      Text: 838255
      Online chat: veteranscrisisline.net

  • The Trevor Project

  • Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

    • 211 is a free referral service that connects you to community resource experts.

      Call: 211
      Text: 898211

      Community Crisis Information
      List of statewide crisis centers.

Anyone can learn how to help someone who may be considering suicide.

Free training offered by The Speedy Foundation covers how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, offer hope, and get help.

It's called QPR for "question, persuade, and refer." 
Learn more about QPR Training

Related Conditions and Specialties

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