Suicide Prevention

You can play a role in preventing suicide. Your loved one may not ask for help, but can show warning signs.

Warning Signs of Suicide Risk

Your loved one may be at risk for suicide if they exhibit the following warning signs:

• Behavioral changes
• Depressed mood
• Feeling of being trapped
• Giving away personal belongings or prized possessions
• Loss of interest in future plans and daily activities
• Verbal threats of suicide
• Withdrawing from friends, family, and society

What to Do if Someone Is Suicidal

If your loved one is displaying warning signs:

• Call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 for professional help
• Ask nonjudgmental questions
• Communicate with the person
• Don’t leave that person alone
• Don’t try to provide counseling yourself
• Remove all potential weapons

Adolescent Suicide Guidance

Take adolescent/teen suicidal thoughts seriously. If a teen is at immediate risk of harm to self and/or others, go to the nearest emergency room for help.

Help During and After Distress

If you or a family member is in crisis, you can rely on our emergency care team to help stabilize the situation.

After stabilization, our compassionate inpatient behavioral health care team can assist with plans for care at Wayne UNC or outpatient care. We’ll make sure you have an aftercare provider appointment before you leave the hospital.