US Medical Term · mental-health
Suicide Prevention
Prevención del suicidio
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Suicide Prevention |
| Spanish (Español) | Prevención del suicidio |
| Chinese (中文) | 自殺防治 |
| Korean (한국어) | 자살 예방 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Phòng ngừa tự tử |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Suicide prevention |
| Portuguese (Português) | Prevenção do suicídio |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | การป้องกันการฆ่าตัวตาย |
| Japanese (日本語) | 自殺予防 |
What it means
Suicide prevention refers to efforts and services designed to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors and to keep people safe. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, help is available. In the US, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in English and Spanish. The Crisis Text Line is also available by texting HOME to 741741. If there is immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Healthcare providers are trained to ask about suicidal thoughts without judgment, and discussing these thoughts is an important step toward getting the right support. You are not alone.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have been having thoughts of suicide and I need to talk to someone right away.
He tenido pensamientos suicidas y necesito hablar con alguien de inmediato.
My teenager told me they are thinking about suicide — what should I do?
Mi adolescente me dijo que está pensando en el suicidio — ¿qué debo hacer?
I want to learn how to support a friend who is struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Quiero aprender a apoyar a un amigo que está luchando con pensamientos suicidas.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026