September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. We can all take action to help prevent suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with difficult thoughts or emotions, you are not alone. Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which is available 24/7 for free, confidential support. Members of the NFL family can call the NFL Life Line at (800) 506-0078 or chat online at NFLLifeLine.org.
You can help someone you know who might be having thoughts of suicide. Start with the five action steps of #BeThe1To: ask, be there, keep them safe, help them connect and follow up. Anyone can use these steps to communicate with someone who may be suicidal. The action steps are supported by evidence in the field of suicide prevention. By reaching out and asking someone directly whether they’re thinking about suicide, you can #BeThe1To make a difference and help them get support.
It can feel difficult to talk about suicide, but one conversation can save a life. Read more below about what you can say to someone and resources and tools to suggest.
There are many resources for people experiencing suicidal thoughts. When you talk with someone who is showing warning signs, know what resources and tools are available for them.
If you or someone you know is experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a United States-based resource that provides support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. It comprises a network of over 200 local crisis centers and provides a 24/7, toll-free hotline.
Call: 988
NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI works to educate, advocate, listen and lead to improve the lives of people with mental illness and their loved ones.
If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.
Call: (800) 950-NAMI
Text: NAMI to 741-741
Online screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety are real, common and treatable — and recovery is possible. Take a mental health test today.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention provides a nationwide community for those affected by suicide. The organization is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide by funding scientific research, educating the public about mental health and suicide prevention, and supporting survivors of suicide loss.
Caring professionals are here to listen, help you find solutions during challenging times, provide support if you are calling out of concern for someone else, and connect you with programs and resources offered by the NFL and other organizations. It’s secure, confidential, anonymous, independent and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Call: (800) 506-0078
Chat online: NFLLifeLine.org
Cigna is increasing the number of counseling sessions available through EAP to help support your emotional well-being at no additional cost to your plan. Effective through September 30, you and your household members have access to additional sessions with licensed clinicians in Cigna’s EAP network at no additional cost.
Call: (866) 421-8628
Founded by NFL defensive lineman Solomon Thomas, The Defensive Line’s mission is to end the epidemic of youth suicide, especially for people of color, by transforming the way we communicate and connect about mental health. The Defensive Line offers training programs, suicide prevention workshops, panel discussions and keynote speakers that provide guidance on creating a safe environment for the youth of today.
Dream the Impossible raises awareness and breaks the stigma surrounding mental health in the African American community. The organization, founded by NFL safety Doug Middleton, promotes healthy and positive mental health practices through speaking engagements, youth development and service activities focused on underserved communities.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott founded the Faith Fight Finish Foundation to empower families and communities to find strength through adversity. One of the foundation’s four core initiatives is mental health and suicide prevention, in honor of Dak’s brother Jace who died by suicide in 2020. The Faith Fight Finish Foundation champions those who battle mental illness by providing education, raising awareness and destigmatizing mental health challenges.
The Hayden Hurst Family Foundation supports youth and military members struggling with their mental health. NFL tight end Hayden Hurst found inspiration for the foundation through his own struggle with depression and his attempted suicide in 2015. His experience in recovery and second chance at life sparked a passion for suicide prevention. The foundation has funded the implementation of mental wellness and social emotional intelligence programs in schools and helps support, train and place service dogs with military veterans in need.
Learn how to identify the signs and symptoms of someone in need and the ways in which NFL player foundations are contributing to the expansion of suicide prevention education and resources. The panel was moderated by NFL Vice President of Wellness and Clinical Services Dr. Nyaka NiiLampti and included panelists from The Defensive Line, the Faith Fight Finish Foundation, and the Hayden Hurst Family Foundation. Watch the conversation.
