Need help? Call or text 988

What happens when you call?

When a person contacts Idaho Crisis & Suicide Hotline a trained crisis responder offers emotional support, assesses for suicide risk, and provides crisis intervention support. Crisis responders help support the individual by reducing stress and empowering them to consider options and make their own decisions. Our responders will work with you to create a safety plan if needed. Your privacy is important and your calls are confidential.

Create a safety plan on your own: https://www.mysafetyplan.org

Suicide Warning Signs & Risk Factors

There is no single cause for suicide and anyone can be at risk.
Most often suicide occurs when stressors and health issues converge and lead to hopelessness and despair.

There are risk factors and warning signs that may indicate an increased likelihood someone could be at risk for suicide. Learning risk factors and warning signs can save lives.

Talk - People thinking of suicide often communicate (sometimes veiled in humor) thoughts of:

Wanting to kill themselves, feeling hopeless, having no reason to live, or being a burden to others.

Behavior - People thinking of suicide often display behaviors that may signal risk:

Noticeable changes in eating or sleeping habits, withdrawing from family or friends or activities, increased use of alcohol or drugs, visiting or calling people to say goodbye, giving away valued possessions, and searching the internet for ways to die by suicide.

Mood - People thinking of suicide often display one or more of the following moods:

Depression, anger, anxiety, apathy, irritability, guilt or shame, loss of interest in activities, or sudden improvement.

A history of suicide attempts or a personal connection to someone who has died by suicide are both risk factors for suicide.

If you have concerns about someone or they display any of these warning signs, we encourage you to share your concerns with them, let them know you care, and ask them directly if they are thinking of suicide.

When a suicide risk is identified, ICSH is here to help.  Call, text, or chat with us to help come up with a plan for support and safety.

Suicide Protective Factors

Many factors can reduce the risk of suicide. Similar to risk factors, a range of factors can protect people from suicide. Everyone can help prevent suicide. We can take action to support people and help protect them from suicidal thoughts and behavior.

• Connection to family, friends, and community.

• Access to health care.

• Coping and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to adapt to change.

• Limited access to lethal means.

Create your own safety plan: https://www.mysafetyplan.org