Suicidal thoughts are TEMPORARY.
Suicide is permanent.
Don’t give in to suicidal thoughts — you can overcome them.
If you are in need of IMMEDIATE crisis services, please call (713) 970-7000.
re:MIND is not a crisis service.
Additional Resources can be found on the bottom of the page.
If Depression or Bipolar Disorder affects you or someone you care about, then it is important to know that mood disorders are treatable. Medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes and support from others can improve symptoms and help manage mood disorders.
The symptoms of Depression and Bipolar Disorders may include feelings of intense sadness, hopelessness, quick changes in energy, drastic changes of appetite, changes in sleep patterns, inability to concentrate, decreased ability to perform one’s usual tasks, loss of interest in activities, and thoughts of death or suicide.
- Mental disorders are not character flaws or signs of weakness.
- Mental disorders will not “go away” if a person “has strong will” or “thinks positive.”
- Mental disorders are medical conditions caused by changes in the chemistry of the brain.
Suicide can be prevented with the right kind of treatment and support. The act of suicide is often a desperate attempt to control the symptoms of a mood disorder. During a severe depression or manic episode, a person has little or no control over painful and disturbing thoughts and feelings. These are symptoms of the illness, not a part of a person’s true self.
Warning Signs of Suicide
- Unbearable feelings: extreme feelings of hopelessness, despair, self-doubt.
- Taking care of business: making end of life plans, preparing wills, giving away valued possessions.
- Rehearsing suicide: discussing suicide methods, purchasing weapons or acquiring large quantities of medication.
- Drug or alcohol use: can cause impulsive behaviors.
- Isolation: cutting off social connections with friends, family, quitting job.
- Sudden sense of calm: a person who was recently feeling upset or hopeless suddenly seems very calm and settled. It might be a sign that he or she has decided on a plan to complete suicide.
Are You Feeling Suicidal?
- Discuss with your doctor if you are thinking of suicide. It is important to recognize these thoughts for what they are: expressions of a treatable medical illness. These thoughts are not true and they are not your fault. Don’t let fear, shame or embarrassment stand in the way of communication with your physician, therapist, family, or friends: tell someone right now.
- Tell a trusted family member, friend, or other support person. Try not to be alone when you feel this way.
- Get help. Tell your health care professional. Suicidal thinking can be treated. When suicidal thoughts occur, they are your signal that you need help.
- Know that you can get through this and learn to effectively manage your mood disorder.
- Promise yourself you will overcome these feelings for another day, hour, minute, or whatever you can and get help.
Suicide Prevention Plan
It’s very helpful to have a safety plan ready before thoughts of suicide occur.
- Make a Plan for Life. Make a plan to stay alive and follow it—seek Help!
- Stay in contact with your doctor. Always have your doctor's phone number with you, as well as a suicide hotline number, 713–970-7000.
- Stay in contact with trusted friends. Develop a list of phone numbers with those you trust and keep it with you.
- Recognize symptoms for what they are. Remember feelings are not facts. Suicidal feelings are not your fault and they are only a symptom of your illness.
- Write down your thoughts. Spend time each day writing down things and people that you appreciate and bring you joy. Refer to this when you feel low, sad, or suicidal. A mood tracker is helpful.
- Connect with other people socially. When you are feeling suicidal, don’t be alone for long periods of time. Seek trusted friends.
- Avoid drugs and alcohol. Consumption of drugs and alcohol can lead to actions that could be very dangerous.
- Know when it’s best to go to the hospital. Ask for help if you need it!
- Understand your health coverage. If you have insurance, call the number on the back of your card for providers.
- Keep yourself safe. Make sure you don’t have access to guns or weapons.
- Give yourself time to get better.
Click here to view the re:MIND Brochure on Suicide Prevention and Intervention.
Emergency Phone Numbers in Houston
- Suicide Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE / (800) 784-2433
- Crisis Intervention Houston: (832) 416-1177
- Mobile Crisis Outreach Team: (713) 970-7520
- HPD Mental Health Unit: (713) 970-4664
- LGBT Switchboard Houston: (713) 529-3211
- Houston Police Department: (713) 884-3131
Houston Crisis Resources
- Houston Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)
- Crisis Intervention Response Team Houston
- LGBT Switchboard Houston
- Harris County Psychiatric Center
- Harris Center Crisis Line - Houston
- Spanish National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- Texas Suicide Prevention
National Resources