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Crisis & Suicide Prevention

Image featuring two hands holding each other, symbolizing support and unity, with the text 'Crisis & Suicide Prevention' overlaying a decorative background.

 

When Every Second Counts

Mental health crises don’t wait. In the moments when someone’s life is at risk — whether it’s your own or someone you love — knowing what to do right now can make all the difference.

This page is a living resource for fast, accessible, and compassionate action. Whether you’re navigating a suicidal crisis, supporting a loved one, or just need to understand what options exist, this guide will help you take the next step.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational and advocacy purposes only. I am not a licensed mental health professional and cannot provide crisis counseling or medical advice. The Novel Advocate is not a crisis response organization and cannot be held responsible for outcomes resulting from the use of this content. If you are in immediate danger or supporting someone in crisis, please contact the professional resources listed below. You are not contacting me or The Novel Advocate directly by viewing or using this page.

In an emergency, always call 911. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, don’t wait. Emergency responders are trained to help and can connect you to further resources.

🌎 National & Statewide Hotlines

🌐 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly National Suicide Prevention Lifeline)
Call or Text: 988
24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress or their loved ones.
https://988lifeline.org

💪 Crisis Text Line
Text HELLO to 741741
24/7 emotional support from trained crisis counselors

🚒 Emergency?
If someone is in immediate danger: Call 911 and clearly state that this is a mental health crisis. Ask for a CIT (Crisis Intervention Trained) officer if available.

State-Specific Hotlines: [COMING SOON: Clickable state-by-state directory with mental health and crisis support lines.]

⚡ What to Do if You or Someone Is in Danger

  • Don’t wait. If someone is talking about suicide, take it seriously.
  • Call 988 or 911 — be honest and direct about the situation.
  • Remove access to lethal means (firearms, medications, sharp objects) if safe to do so.
  • Stay present. Don’t leave the person alone unless you’re in danger.
  • Be calm, non-judgmental, and reassuring. Use grounding language like: “You’re not alone. We’re going to get through this.”
  • Use the person’s name. Keep them engaged and connected.

💞 How to Intervene as a Loved One

  • Trust your gut. If something feels off, check in.
  • Ask direct questions: “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?” You won’t plant the idea by asking.
  • Don’t try to ‘fix it’ — just be there. Listen with empathy, not solutions.
  • Offer to call or text a hotline together. Be part of the moment, not just a suggestion.
  • Follow up. A single conversation can make a difference, but continued support saves lives.

💡 Looking for more than just a list of numbers?

If you’ve made it this far, you might be searching for something deeper than a hotline — maybe understanding, comfort, or a path through the grief and chaos.

We created a series of supportive guides to help you navigate crisis, loss, and healing in ways that feel more human.

💡 Looking for support that goes beyond hotlines?

Visit our page of free, downloadable guides designed to help you navigate suicide prevention, loss, grief, and recovery — at your own pace, in your own space.

Whether you’re supporting someone else, coping with personal crisis, or healing after a loss, these guides were created to walk beside you — not rush you.

👉 Explore the Free Guides

✨ Coming Soon:

  • A downloadable PDF intervention checklist
  • A printable “What To Do” fridge card
  • State-by-state emergency mental health response directories
  • Real Talk: What It Really Feels Like (And Why It’s So Hard to Ask for Help)
  • How to Support Someone in the Long Term (beyond the emergency moment)
  • The Aftermath of a Suicide Attempt — what caregivers and survivors should know
  • Things I Wish I Knew When I Was the One Struggling (a personal letter format)
  • Grounding Tools & Comfort Scripts — phrases, actions, and emotional anchors that helped
  • From Surviving to Supporting: A Real-World Guide to Suicide Awareness (based on lived experience, not credentials)