This is the three-digit number in the U.S. dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health crisis support.
What is 988?
This widely-used tool helps clinicians assess the severity of suicidal ideation and behavior, guiding interventions based on responses.
What is the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)?
This mental health disorder, characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest, is one of the most common risk factors for suicide.
What is depression?
This behavior involves a sudden withdrawal from friends and activities, signaling possible emotional distress.
What is social isolation?
This is the first and most crucial step when you suspect someone may be at risk of suicide.
What is asking about suicidal thoughts?
These trained individuals often provide immediate support and guidance over the phone or online during a crisis.
Who are crisis counselors?
Clinicians use this assessment to evaluate a person's intent, capability, and history of suicidal behavior to determine their immediate level of risk.
What is suicide risk stratification?
A history of this in a family member significantly increases an individual's risk for suicidal behavior.
What is family history of suicide?
A person repeatedly discussing these types of plans, especially involving self-harm, can indicate imminent danger.
What are suicide plans?
A collaborative effort between a patient and mental health provider to create a plan for coping with suicidal thoughts.
What is a safety plan?
This service provides 24/7 crisis intervention and support for individuals experiencing mental health emergencies in Georgia.
What is GCAL (Georgia Crisis and Access Line)?
This assessment framework evaluates current suicidal ideation, past attempts, and access to means to estimate overall suicide risk.
What is a comprehensive suicide evaluation (CSE)?
Veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with chronic illness are considered to be part of this group, with a heightened risk of suicide.
What are high-risk populations?
Sudden shifts from extreme sadness to a calm state might indicate this serious risk.
What is a sign of a suicide decision?
Limiting access to these can significantly reduce the likelihood of a suicide attempt.
What are lethal means?
Dialing 988 and pressing 1 will connect you to this service specifically designed to support veterans in crisis.
What is the Veterans Crisis Line?
This initial step in suicide assessment involves directly asking individuals about their thoughts of ending their life, debunking the myth that it could "plant" the idea.
What is asking about suicidal ideation?
A person who has attempted this before is at a much higher risk for a future attempt.
What is a previous suicide attempt?
Drastic changes in sleeping or eating habits are warning signs of this.
What is a mental health crisis?
This is the term used to describe the process of removing or restricting access to means that could be used for self-harm, such as firearms or medications.
What is means restriction?