Join The Movement To #BeThe1To Prevent Suicide

In Hawaii Five-0's "O ka mea ua hala, ua hala ia," we saw the intense impact of a suicidal crisis when Lou Grover (Chi McBride) shared he was once at the brink of taking his own life. At the end of the episode, McBride shared information about the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline—and how you can help stop suicide.

While a number of persons surviving a suicidal crisis need the help of crisis hotline assistance and mental health professionals, many people get through these tough times with the available coping skills, the aid of family and friends, and the support of their community.

According to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, there are proven steps you can take to immediately help someone in your life that might be in a suicidal crisis.



John Draper, Ph.D., Director of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, shares #BeThe1To—proven steps you can take to immediately help someone in your life that might be in a suicidal crisis.

Be the 1 To Ask.
If you're worried about someone, ask them if they're thinking of killing themselves.

It's a frightening question, but you won't know the answer unless you ask. If they are not thinking about it, research shows that no harm is done.

If they are thinking about it, they feel relieved that they can talk about it.

Be the 1 To Keep Them Safe.
If someone is in a tough place, offer to hold on to (or completely remove) anything that they might use to hurt themselves.

Be the 1 To Be There.
Be there for your loved one.

Be present in the conversation, listen with compassion and without judgment, and let them know that you care about them.

Be the 1 To Help Them Connect.
Help connect your loved one to others that can provide support, whether that is a therapist, family member, church group, or 24/7 resource like the Lifeline.

Be the 1 To Follow Up.
Check in regularly with the person you're concerned about in the days and weeks after a crisis.

Let them know you're thinking about them and are there to help.

Using the #BeThe1To Steps as a guide, you will be better equipped to help someone you care about get through a suicidal crisis. Help someone you love, share these steps, and spread the word so, together, we can stop suicide.

If you would like emotional support, please call the Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Lifeline is free, confidential, and available 24/7 across the United States.

Go to bethe1to.com to get the five steps to someone in crisis and learn more about suicide prevention and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline's work at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.