Resources For Loved Ones

If you’re concerned that someone you care about is considering death by suicide, reach out to them to offer your support and let them know you are here for them.

As a trusted loved one, try not to minimize what they are going through. Whatever it is, they are in pain and they need someone in their corner. Don’t be afraid to ask them direct questions like those below. Just remain calm and be sensitive.

  • Are you thinking about suicide?

  • Do you have a plan?

  • Have you thought about when you would do it?

Asking these questions isn’t easy and the conversation can feel uncomfortable.  But talking to someone about suicidal thoughts won't put ideas in their head. Instead, showing support could help to reduce the risk.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

One way you can help is to encourage your friend or loved one to call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Crisis workers, who are trained to help people who are in emotional distress, are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide free and confidential support.  

The Lifeline: Help Someone Else


Other Ways to Help

  • Encourage the person to seek treatment.
  • Offer to help the person take steps to get assistance and support.
  • Encourage the person to communicate with you.
  • Be respectful and acknowledge the person's feelings.
  • Don't be patronizing or judgmental.
  • Never promise to keep someone's suicidal feelings a secret.
  • Offer reassurance that things can get better.
  • Encourage the person to avoid alcohol and drug use.
  • Remove potentially dangerous items from the person's home, if possible.  
Source: Mayo Clinic

Warning Signs of Suicide

  • Talking about being a burden
  • Being isolated
  • Increased anxiety
  • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
  • Increased substance use
  • Looking for a way to access lethal means
  • Increased anger or rage
  • Extreme mood swings
  • Expressing hopelessness
  • Sleeping too little or too much
  • Talking or posting about wanting to die
  • Making plans for suicide


Source: CDC
Learn more about suicide risk factors and warning signs from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Support Groups for Survivors of Suicide Loss

Allegheny County
STAR-Center of UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital
Meets on Wednesdays | 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Bellefield Towers, University of Pittsburgh Campus (Parking is free)
Contact: Jamey Covaleski  |  survivorsofsuicide@upmc.edu  |  412-864-3346
*Email or call for specific meeting room numbers.
Support Group Brochure

Lifeline of Listening Friends (Central / East of Pittsburgh)
Meets the 2nd Sunday of each month  |  2 PM - 3:30 PM
Sacred Heart Church, 310 Shady Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Contact: Jack Shaw | shaw.jack@verizon.net | 412-508-5383
*Please call or email if attending for the first time.
mylifelinepittsburgh.org

Lifeline of Listening Friends (North of Pittsburgh)
Meets the 1st Thursday of each month  |  7 PM - 8:30 PM
St. Joseph Church, 346 Dorseyville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15215
Contact: Jack Shaw | shaw.jack@verizon.net | 412-508-5383
*Please call or email if attending for the first time
mylifelinepittsburgh.org
 
Lifeline of Listening Friends: Seven Week Grief & Loss Support Program
 
Butler County
Someone’s Caring Survivors of Suicide Grief Support Group
Meets the 2nd Thursday of each month  |  7 PM – 9 PM
Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, Inc., 124 East North Street Butler, PA 16001
Contact: Robin S. Miller | millerr@zoominternet.net | 724-287-2273
www.thompson-miller.com

Crawford County
Survivors of Suicide Bereavement Support Group
Meets the 1st Tuesday of each month  |  5 PM - 6 PM
JT SteamTable Restaurant, 217 Chestnut Street, Meadville
Contact: Rose M. Hilliard | rhilliard@womensservicesinc.org | 814-795-1277
 
Lawrence County
The Lawrence County Suicide Loss & Healing Support Group is not actively meeting at this time due to a lack of referrals. If you would like to participate, please email suicidelossgroup@humanservicescenter.net or call Michele at 724-510-3271. Group facilitators will schedule an initial individual meeting to welcome you.

Westmoreland County
Loved Ones Stolen by Suicide (LOSS)
Meets the 1st Tuesday of each month  |  6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Mental Health America of Southwestern PA, 409 Coulter Avenue, Suite 4, Greensburg, PA 15601
Contact: Beth Crofutt | bcrofutt@mhaswpa.org | 724-834-6351 x 118
www.mhaswpa.org

Virtual: Meets the 1st Tuesday of each month | 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Contact: Beth Crofutt | bcrofutt@mhaswpa.org | 724-834-6351 x 118
www.mhaswpa.org

Additional Support

Our Black Rose
A nonprofit initiative focused on postvention services for suicide loss survivors. The organization also partners with funeral home staff and first responders who interact with a family immediately following the tragedy of a suicide. Find more information at www.ourblackrose.org

Additional Resources