With one conversation, asking someone how they’re really doing — and being ready to truly listen — can save lives. Because here’s what we know: No one has to face this alone. Help exists. Healing is possible. And all it can take is for one person to start a conversation.
Suicide Prevention
- In the U.S., suicide in the 2nd leading cause of death among people ages 10-14 and among people ages 15-24.
- 1 in 20 U.S. adults have serious thoughts of suicide each year.
- About 1 person dies by suicide in the U.S. every 11 minutes.
- 79% of all people who die by suicide in the U.S. are male.
- 20% of all high school students report having had serious thoughts of suicide. This increases to 41% for LGBTQ+ high school students.
Your voice matters. Start a conversation. Be the difference.
Talking about Thoughts of Suicide
Starting a conversation about suicide can feel difficult, but you don’t need to have the perfect words. Being direct, caring and willing to listen can make a difference.
Asking Directly
- “Are you thinking about suicide?”
- “Have you been thinking about killing yourself?”
- “Sometimes when people feel this overwhelmed, they think about suicide. Is that something you’ve been thinking about?”
- “Are you having thoughts about not wanting to be alive?”
- “Have you been thinking about hurting yourself?”
When You’ve Noticed Something Is Different
- “You haven’t seemed like yourself lately. How are you doing?”
- “I’ve noticed you’ve been having a hard time. I’m worried about you.”
- “You seem really overwhelmed lately. Want to talk about what’s going on?”
- “You’ve mentioned feeling hopeless a few times. Are you thinking about suicide?”
- “I’ve noticed you’ve been pulling away from people. How are things really going?”
When Someone Says Something Concerning
If someone says, “I can’t do this anymore,” “Everyone would be better off without me,” or something similar, you can respond with:
- “When you say you can’t do this anymore, what do you mean?”
- “That sounds really painful. Are you thinking about suicide?”
- “I’m glad you told me. Tell me more about what’s been going on.”
- “I want to make sure I understand. Are you thinking about ending your life?”
Starting More Casually
- “Hey, can I check in with you? How have you really been doing?”
- “You’ve had a lot going on lately. How are you holding up?”
- “I know things have been tough. Do you want to talk about it?”
- “I care about you, and I wanted to see how you’re doing.”
- “You don’t have to go through this alone. What’s been going on?”
After They Say “Yes”
Keep the conversation going rather than trying to immediately solve the problem:
- “Thank you for telling me.”
- “I’m here with you.”
- “Can you tell me more about what you’ve been feeling?”
- “How long have you been feeling this way?”
- “What has been getting you through this so far?”
- “What would help you feel safer right now?”
- “Who else could we bring in to support you?”
- “We can figure out the next step together.”
Remember: Asking someone directly if they are thinking about suicide does not put the idea in their head. Using clear language like “Are you thinking about suicide?” gives someone permission to answer honestly and lets them know you are willing to hear what they are experiencing.
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
During Suicide Prevention Month, we are highlighting prevention efforts to start important conversations. You can join us online and across Eastern Iowa. Here are a few of the things going on this month.
You’re invited to join us for the Light the Night Reception & Luminaria Lighting, held on World Suicide Prevention Awareness Day. Proudly presented by Iowa Giving Crew.
Cedar Rapids Event
- Foundation 2 Crisis Services (305 2nd Ave. SE)
- Thursday, Sept. 10
- Reception 7 p.m.
- Luminaria Lighting 8 p.m.
From 7-8 p.m., a reception will be held honoring those remembered on our Legacy Wall. It is an opportunity to gather in reflection and support of those who have died by suicide and their loved ones. There will be a short program, meaningful activities, and light refreshments. All are welcome. At 8 p.m., luminarias will be displayed outside our building, each representing a life remembered. A brief program will follow. All are welcome.
Dubuque Event
- American Trust River’s Edge Plaza (400 3rd St.)
- 8 p.m. Luminaria Lighting
Luminarias will be displayed around the plaza, each representing a life remembered. A brief program will follow. All are welcome.
RSVP is encouraged but not required. Use this form to RSVP and/or submit a name for a luminaria.
Honor a Loved One
Honor a loved one with a luminary lit in their honor by filling out our form linked below or emailing info@foundation2.org. Names are accepted through September 5. There is no cost. Use this form to RSVP and/or submit a name for a luminaria.
If you shared your loved one’s name for Light the Night previously, they will be included in Light the Night permanently. If you’re unsure, we encourage you to fill out the RSVP form.
Names will be included as submitted on Light the Night luminaria. Only first names will be published on social media and other promotional materials.
Questions? Contact info@foundation2.org.
- Tuesday, Sept. 29
- 11:30-1 p.m.
- Foundation 2 Crisis Services (305 2nd Ave. SE)
- Lunch is provided
In this free Lunch & Learn, we’ll explore how genuine human connection plays a vital role in suicide prevention and overall mental wellbeing. Learn why checking in with friends, family members, coworkers, and neighbors matters, how to recognize when someone may be struggling, and practical ways to start supportive conversations with confidence.
Together, we’ll discuss how we can help reduce isolation, build resilience and create communities where people feel seen, valued, and supported. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your relationships at work, at home, or in your community, you’ll leave with simple tools to help make connection a part of everyday life to increase mental wellness.
This in-person Lunch & Learn is provided at no cost. Lunch from the Horizons Cafe is provided. This training is led by Kara Grafft, Director of Quality & Training at Foundation 2 Crisis Services.
This workshop is sponsored by IBEW Local Union 405. We appreciate their support of suicide prevention and mental wellness in our community.
Warning Signs
- Making a suicide plan—the more specific the plan, the higher the risk
- Statements revealing thoughts of death, such as “I won’t be around much longer,” “It’s hopeless,” or “I won’t be missed when I’m gone.”
- Access to available means (firearms, medications)
- Depression (crying, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, hopelessness, isolation, helplessness, anger at oneself or the world)
- Previous suicide attempt(s)
- Recent loss of a friend or family member through death or suicide
- The anniversary date of a loss is approaching
- Other losses, such as the loss of a parent through divorce, a job loss or an ended relationship
- Giving or throwing away favorite possessions
- No planning for the future
- Use or increased use of drugs and/or alcohol
- Sudden change in behavior—acts differently or personality seems to change for no obvious reason; becomes aggressive, destructive or defiant
- Chronic headaches or stomachaches, fatigue
- New involvement with high-risk activities
- Sudden, dramatic decline or improvement in schoolwork
- Chronic physical or mental illness or disability
How to Help a Suicidal Person
- Remove or arrange to remove firearms or unnecessary medicines from the home. Firearms should be taken elsewhere, even when locked and unloaded.
- Trust your suspicions, take the threat seriously and express your concern. Let them know what they mean to you and that they are not alone.
- Try to determine whether the person has a suicide plan. The more detailed the plan, especially with available and lethal means, the greater the risk.
- Help the person recall how he or she coped in other crises. This is more effective than pat reassurances.
- Encourage them to seek help and talk to someone who is trained to help with emotional problems. Call a suicide prevention center like Foundation 2 Crisis Center or talk to a physician, teacher, counselor, school nurse, clergy or trained mental health professional.
- Arrange and get a promise with the person to stay in contact. Offer yourself until other assistance has been obtained.
- Be a listener, not a “fixer.”
- Gently ask direct questions about the person’s intentions.
- Communicate your concern for their well-being.