Suicide Awareness: Learn the Signs

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.

24/7 Support (U.S.): Call or Text 988
Veterans: Press 1

Text: HOME to 741741

Learn the Signs.
Know What to Do.

On the Gulf Coast, people we care about face challenges we don’t always see.
In many cases, the signs are there before a crisis; we just need to recognize them.

When we understand what to look for and how to respond, we can help someone stay.

Common Warning Signs

- Talking about wanting to die or feeling like a burden

- Withdrawal, isolation, or “goodbye” behavior

- Major mood changes, agitation, or anxiety

- Increased alcohol or drug use

- Giving away possessions or putting affairs in order

- Changes in sleep or appetite

- Loss of interest in work, family, or activities

Note: One sign alone doesn’t always mean danger, but multiple signs or sudden changes should be taken seriously.

High-Risk Situations

- Recent loss or trauma

- Relationship or family crisis

- Chronic pain or serious illness

- Prior suicide attempt or family history

- Access to firearms or medications

- Service-related or cumulative stress

Protective Factors

- Strong relationships and community connection

- A sense of purpose and belonging

- Access to mental health support

- Problem-solving and coping skills

- Safe storage of firearms and medications

How You Can Help

1. Notice and Name It

“I’ve noticed you seem overwhelmed. I care about you.”

2. Ask Directly

"Are you thinking about suicide?" (Asking does not put the idea in someone's mind.)

3. Listen Without Judgment

Let them talk. Avoid trying to fix everything.

4. Stay With Them

If you're concerned, don't leave them alone.

5. Connect Them To Help

Call or text 988. Offer to sit with them or help them reach support.

6. Follow-Up

A simple check-in can make a real difference.

If you or someone you know needs support,

these resources are available 24/7.

Local Resources (Mobile/Baldwin County, AL

Mobile County, AL

VetsRecover

1200 SpringHill Ave, Mobile, AL 36604

(251) 405-3677 | https://vetsrecover.org

Baldwin County, AL

Equine Therapy Group

37252 Cheval Air Rd, Bay Minette, AL 36507

(251) 237-3384 | www.equinetherapygroup.com

The Nest Therapy Group

22765 US Hwy 98, Farihope, AL 36532

(251) 202-9003 | www.nesttherapygroup.com

Hurley Mental & Behavioral Health

101 Villa Dr, Daphne, AL 36526

(251) 222-8880 | www.hurleymbh.com

National Resources

Immediate Help

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 | Chat: 988lifeline.org
24/7 free, confidential support

Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
Immediate text-based support with a trained crisis counselor

911 (Emergency)
For immediate danger or life-threatening situations

Veterans & Military

Veterans Crisis Line
Call 988, then press 1
Text 838255 | veteranscrisisline.net

Military OneSource
800-342-9647 | militaryonesource.mil
Confidential counseling and support for active duty, Guard, and families

Wounded Warrior Project (Mental Health Programs)
woundedwarriorproject.org

First Responders

Safe Call Now (First Responders)
206-459-3020 | safecallnow.org
Confidential crisis referral service for public safety professionals

CopLine (Law Enforcement Only)
1-800-COPLINE (267-5463)
Staffed by retired law enforcement officers

Fire/EMS Helpline (Share the Load Program – NVFC)
1-888-731-FIRE (3473)

Mental Health Support

SAMHSA National Helpline
1-800-662-HELP (4357) | samhsa.gov
Treatment referrals for mental health and substance use

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine
1-800-950-NAMI (6264) | nami.org/help
Education, support, and resource navigation

Mental Health America
mhanational.org
Screening tools and local resource directories

Specialized Support

The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+)
1-866-488-7386 | Text START to 678678
thetrevorproject.org

National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-7233 | thehotline.org

RAINN (Sexual Assault Support)
800-656-HOPE | rainn.org

Safety & Prevention Resources

Means Matter (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health)
hsph.harvard.edu/means-matter
Research-backed guidance on reducing access to lethal means

BeSMART for Kids (Firearm Safety Awareness)
besmartforkids.org

Don’t navigate this alone.
We’ve got your six.

You don’t have to wear a uniform to help save a life.
Learn the signs. Start the conversation. Stand with your community.

Get Involved

This page is for education and awareness.
It is not a substitute for professional care.
If someone may be at risk, call 911 or 988 immediately.