800,000 people die from suicide every year.
We are here to start the conversation and provide support to prevent suicides and save lives.
Emerge Articles
Identifying symptoms of suicidal thoughts
If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally, consider these symptoms to help identify potential warning signs and behaviors.
Clinical counselors will often use the phrase, IS PATH WARM, to remember the many different symptoms of suicidal thoughts.
IDEATION: someone saying they are considering killing themselves
SUBSTANCE ABUSE: someone abusing alcohol, illicit drugs, or prescription drugs; or an increase in use
PURPOSELESSNESS: someone who no longer feels they have a purpose in life and no reason to live
ANXIETY: someone experiencing anxiety at a level that impairs functioning, including problems sleeping
TRAPPED: someone who feels trapped and has trouble seeing the light at the end of the tunnel
HOPELESSNESS: someone experiencing the feeling of hopelessness
WITHDRAWAL: someone who is withdrawing from loved ones, work, responsibilities, etc.
ANGER: someone who is experiencing anger than has become unmanageable and more similar to rage
RECKLESSNESS: someone with reckless behaviors and high-risk activities
MOOD CHANGES: a noticeable change in mood and functioning
Emerge Resources
Other Resources
Source: Focus on the Family/Alive to Thrive
Source: Focus on the Family/Alive to Thrive
Other Links
Source: Christianity Today
Recommended Links
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
800-273-TALK (8255) — this is a 24/7 lifeline available free to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. There are specific helps for Veterans and Spanish speakers.
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
SPRC offers many resources including publications and training opportunities (conference and webinars). The SPRC library also has a section with materials related to faith-based settings: “The Role of Faith Community Leaders in Preventing Suicide” and “After a Suicide: Recommendations for Religious Services and Other Public Memorial Observances.”
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
AFSP provides numerous online resources for talking about suicide in various situations, including a number of resources on how to survive a suicide loss. They also support advocacy for federal and state public policies encouraging suicide prevention.
American Association of Suicidology
AAS provides many resources for clinicians including DVDs and webinars. One of the helpful resources on the website is statistics and fact sheets for suicide.
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration
As a government agency, SAMHSA exists to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.
National Institute of Mental Health
The National Institute of Mental Health works to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses. It offers a number of resources for suicide prevention, including: “Suicide in America: Frequently Asked Questions.”
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
NAMI is an advocacy organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Be sure to look over the valuable resource for consumers, providers, and family members: “Navigating a Mental Health Crisis”
World Health Organization
WHO has statistics, resources, and information on suicide for the world.
Center for Disease Control & Prevention
CDC has statistics, resources, and information on suicide for the United States.