Suicide & Self Harm Prevention

Life can be incredibly challenging, and at times, it may feel like the weight of the world is too much to bear. If you or someone you know is grappling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, it's crucial to remember that help is available, and reaching out can make all the difference.

The 988 Lifeline is available for everyone, is free, and confidential: https://988lifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/

Houston Crisis Hotline: https://www.crisishotline.org/

A safety plan is a prioritized list of coping strategies and sources of support. It can help you to identify what leads to your thoughts of suicide, and how to feel better when you are having these thoughts. As a result, you can help yourself to stay safe: https://www.mysafetyplan.org/

Self Care Ideas from Lifeline.org:

• Take a walk outside

• Write a love letter to yourself

• Write about something you are grateful for in your life (it can be a person, place, or thing)

• Create a happy playlist and a coping playlist

• Treat yourself to a favorite snack

• Watch your favorite movie

• Forgive someone

• Forgive yourself

• Say thank you to someone who has helped you recently

• Create a DIY self-care kit of things that make you feel better

• Take your medication on time

• Take a new fitness class at the gym (yoga, Zumba, etc.)

• Plan a lunch date with someone you haven’t seen in a while

• Pamper yourself with an at-home spa day

• Take a day off from social media and the Internet

• Reach out to your support system

• Cuddle with your pets or a friend’s pet

• Take the time to stop, stand and stretch for 2 minutes

• Wake up a little earlier and enjoy your a morning cup of tea or coffee before the morning rush

• Take a hot shower or bath

• Take yourself out to dinner

• Volunteer

• Start that one project you’ve been contemplating for a while

• Sit with your emotions, and allow yourself to feel and accept them. It’s okay to laugh, cry, just feel whatever you’re feeling with no apologies!

• Cook a favorite meal from scratch

• Take a 5-minute break in your day

• Compliment someone (and yourself, too!)

• Give yourself permission to say no

• De-clutter your mind: write down 5 things that are bothering you, and then literally throw them away

• Donate 3 pieces of clothing that you no longer wear

• Take the time to find 5 beautiful things during your daily routine

• Take a mental health day from school, work, etc.

• Take a nap

• Reach out to the Lifeline