Suicide Prevention

Suicide prevention, warning signs, and treatment

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, get help right away. If you or a loved is having a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988 to connect with 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

If you have an immediate, life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Death by suicide is a tragic and growing problem. It affects people from all walks of life. Sadly, people don’t want to talk about it, and they don’t know how to talk about it. Often, people who are contemplating suicide are too ashamed or embarrassed to reach out for help. And their loved ones don’t know how to help or what to say.

The following information may help you or a loved one learn more about suicide risks, warning signs, and prevention.

Some risk factors for suicide:

• Family history of suicide
• Past attempts
• Substance use
• Mental health conditions such as depression
• Significant life events, such as loss of a job or a loved one, the end of a relationship, or financial problems
• A chronic medical condition

Warning signs may include:

• Thinking about and talking about death or suicide
• Drastic changes in behavior
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Talking about feeling unworthy, helpless, or hopeless, or that they would be better

Additional resources

• Suicide Prevention: A Resource for Teens
• Suicide Prevention: A Resource for Parents and Caregivers
• SCDMH Office of Suicide Prevention | While I breathe, I hope 
• Mayo Clinic video “You’re not alone”

To learn more about First Choice behavioral health and other plan benefits, or if you need help finding a behavioral health provider, contact Member Services at 1-888-276-2020. If you need help or have specific questions about behavioral health, talk to your primary care provider (PCP) or mental health provider.