Gretchen Lawson: I hear you saying that you feel suicidal, that you're having thoughts of hurting yourself. I just want to praise you. The first step is reaching out, which is what you're doing by watching this video. The next thing I would encourage you to do is to make a plan of safety, to remove anything from your environment that might harm you, to think about who your support people are, who are people you could get in touch with and talk about how you're feeling. It is okay to talk about how you're feeling. The next thing I would encourage is to distract yourself, to recognize that your thoughts and your feelings are lying to you. It is a lie that the world would be a better place without you. You matter, you are valuable.

Take time, right now, to print out the Prevention Checklist and fill in the blanks of the Suicide Safety Plan.  Then when you are feeling hopeless pull out your plan and follow what you have written down.

For more answers to your questions on suicide, watch these videos:

Suicide – How come some days are good but some are awful?

Suicide – How do I know if someone I love is suicidal?

Suicide – I don’t have anyone to talk to about this.

Suicide – I want to commit suicide

Suicide – What are some early signs of suicidal thoughts?

Suicide – Who do I talk to about my suicidal feelings?

Suicide – Why do I feel suicidal?

Are you feeling depressed? Need someone to talk to? TheHopeLine offers free confidential live chat with a HopeCoach to help you with what is going on in your life. We are here to listen and support you without judgment. 

If you or a friend need support right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, for free confidential, 24/7 help. Head here for a list of crisis centers around the world. For additional help, please visit the suicide prevention resource page.