People who are at risk of suicidal behavior may not seek treatment for many reasons, including:
- They believe nothing will help
- They do not want to tell anyone they have problems
- They think asking for help is a sign of weakness
- They do not know where to go for help
A person may need emergency treatment after a suicide attempt. They may need first aid, CPR, or more intensive treatments.
People who try to commit suicide may need to stay in a hospital for treatment and to reduce the risk of future attempts. Therapy is one of the most important parts of treatment.
Any mental health disorder that may have led to the suicide attempt should be evaluated and treated. This includes:
- Bipolar disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
- Drug or alcohol dependence
- Major depression
- Schizophrenia
Always take suicide attempts and threats seriously. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, there are numbers that you can call from anywhere in the United States, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-999-9999.
Call the local emergency number (such as 911) right away if someone you know has attempted suicide. Do not leave the person alone, even after you have called for help.
