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Intentional Poisoning/Self Harm Prevention

Are You or Someone You Know in Crisis?

You are not alone, and help is available. If you are concerned for yourself or a friend regarding suicide by poisoning, please contact: 

  1. Upstate New York Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 if you suspect self-harm by poisoning. We are fast, free, confidential, and available 24/7. 
  2. 988 Lifeline (free, confidential and available 24/7) if experiencing: 
    • thoughts of suicide
    • mental health or substance use crisis
    • any other kind of emotional distress
  3. Call 911 if experiencing: 
    • unconsciousness
    • trouble breathing
    • seizures
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 1.6 million Americans attempted suicide in 2022, resulting in 49,476 deaths. That is 1 death every 11 minutes. The number of people who think about suicide is even higher. Poisoning, including drug and non-drug poisoning, is the third leading means of suicide deaths. However, by raising awareness, reducing the stigma around suicide, encouraging well-informed action, and sharing our number (1-800-222-1222) and other New York resources, we can reduce the instances of suicide.

Common Warning Signs

Sometimes suicide can seem sudden, but in many cases, there are signs and symptoms that someone is considering it. The signs may appear in conversations, through their actions, or mood. Knowing the warning signs for suicide and how to get help can help save lives. Signs may include:

Talking about:

  • Wanting to die
  • Great guilt or shame
  • Being a burden to others
  • Emotional or physical pain

Feeling:

  • Unbearable emotional or physical pain
  • Empty, hopeless, trapped, or having no reason to live
  • Extremely sad, more anxious, agitated, or full of rage
  • Feeling like they are a burden to others

Changes in behavior or mood:

  • Planning or researching ways to kill themselves, such as searching for lethal methods online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun
  • Withdrawing from family, friends, or community
  • Saying goodbye to friends and family
  • Giving away prized possessions
  • Putting affairs together, such as making a will
  • Taking dangerous risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast
  • Increased alcohol or drug use
  • Changes in eating or sleeping patterns

Watch & Learn More:

If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know, get help as soon as possible, particularly if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Trained counselors are available 24/7/365.

Five Action Steps for Helping Someone in Emotional Pain or Crisis

  1. Ask: Asking the question “Are you thinking about suicide?” communicates that you’re open to speaking about suicide in a non-judgmental and supportive way. Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and feeling.
  2. Be There: This could mean being physically present, speaking with them on the phone, or any other way that shows support for the person at risk. Being there for someone with thoughts of suicide is lifesaving. 
  3. Keep Them Safe: Reducing a suicidal person’s access to lethal items or places is an important part of suicide prevention. While this is not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can make a difference.
  4. Help Them Connect: Connecting them with ongoing support such as the 988 Lifeline and resources in their community can help establish a safety net. Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number (call or text 988) and save 988 in your phone.
  5. Follow-up: Because this can be a high risk and vulnerable time, staying in touch after a crisis or after being discharged from care can make a difference.

Suicide By Poisoning Can Be Prevented

Below are strategies that can help save lives.

  1. Keep prescription and over-the-counter medicines locked in a safe place. Consider using a medication lock box.  
  2. Know what medicines you have and how much you have of each.  
  3. Limit the number of pills someone has access to in the home.  
  4. Discuss medicine safety with teens who self-administer medication. Remind teens not to share medicine or take medicine not prescribed to them.  
  5. Dispose of expired or unused medicine at take-back events, pharmacies, and local police stations —Find a location near you.  
  6. In addition to medicines, store all potential poisons (e.g., pesticides, lighter fluids, gasoline, windshield fluid, antifreeze) in locked cabinets.  
  7. Talk to children and teens about alcohol and other drug use. Be mindful of their internet and social media usage and stay current on trends involving potentially harmful products.   
  8. Beware of hidden alcohols in other household products (e.g., mouthwash, hand sanitizer, rubbing alcohol, etc.) and store safety. 

Additional Resources

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