Suicide and suicidal thoughts

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Prevention

By Mayo Clinic staff

Prevention of suicide involves both individuals and communities. Suicide prevention strategies include:

  • Learning the warning signs of suicide and suicidal behavior
  • Honest discussion with someone who may be suicidal
  • Increasing access to mental health care
  • Learning skills such as resilience and assertiveness
  • Anger management
  • Conflict resolution
  • Improved awareness among primary care doctors of suicide risks and warning signs
  • Restricting access to lethal weapons of suicide, such as not keeping guns in your home
  • Better treatment of depression and other mental illnesses
  • Developing a strong network of friends and social support

DS01062

March 28, 2008

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