Suicide Support: Online Resources Blog

Let’s start with the stats:

• Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the U.S.
• 45,979 Americans died by suicide in 2020.
• 1.20M suicide attempts in 2020.
• The age-adjusted suicide rate in 2020 was 13.48 per 100,000 individuals.
• On average, there are 130 suicides per day.
• Males die by suicide 3.88 times more often than women.
• *Statistics found by the American Foundation For Suicide Prevention.

Suicide is a topic we would all like to avoid. It is heartbreaking, it is terrifying, and it is complicated. Thankfully, our digital world provides many resources for those in need. 

Whether we are in crisis ourselves, recognize that a friend or family member may be contemplating suicide, or if we need a safe place to talk about and explore our thoughts and feelings, there are sites and apps for us to find and get the support we need.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The most valuable online resource for anyone dealing with a crisis situation is The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. They provide free and confidential support 24/7. 

Not only do they provide a phone number (1-800-273-TALK), but they also have a “Lifeline Chat” feature, where you can text message a counselor in real-time. Their website is very user-friendly and gets straight to the point on how to help yourself or someone you love. 

The site links you to resources and action plans, lists social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Periscope, and gives step-by-step instructions on reporting possibly dangerous online behavior.

#BeThe1To

#BeThe1To describes itself as a movement to prevent suicide. Their goal is to spread the message and connect people impacted by suicide and suicide prevention. Using the hashtag #BeThe1To, they want to share the 5 Steps to Help a Person in Crisis on social media. The website has many videos, stories, and links to local resources. And the site is not all bad news; they have very uplifting and inspiring videos from suicide attempt survivors that feel real, not phony.

MY3

MY3 App is an app that helps you “define your network and your plan to stay safe. With MY3, you can be prepared to help yourself and reach out to others when you are having thoughts of suicide.” It puts your contacts, resources, and support sites together in one place. Accessing help quickly may make all the difference when you are in crisis.

MoodTools

MoodTools has several apps that focus on helping people lift themselves out of a downward spiral with tools such as a Suicide Safety Plan, a Depression Test, and a Mood Diary.

Sanvello

Sanvello is less of a suicide crisis app, but it helps you “get all of the support you need to help improve your mental health—on your terms.” Sanvello has four types of support: Self-care, Peer Support, Coaching, and Therapy. Essentially, you can manage your mental health on your own time and communicate with others who are going through similar issues. In addition, you have access to coaches who will support you and professionals who will help you get through your tough times.

Various Resources

In addition to general suicide prevention resources, this resource article contains links specifically for youth, LGBTQ+ individuals, neurodivergent individuals, and other groups at elevated risk for suicide and mental health struggles.

What do we think is the best suicide prevention resource?

At Digital4Good, we think that the absolute best resource is The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. It is full of information and strategies for those searching to answer questions, people with no prior experience with mental illness, and those in crisis situations. 

If you or a loved one are struggling with thoughts of suicide, do not hesitate to act. Get help as soon as possible.

Suicide Support: Online Resource Blog
By: Lara Saif

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