Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. Each of us can help prevent suicide by raising awareness and learning how to help someone in crisis. Here are two things you can do today:

1) If someone you care about struggles with suicidal thoughts, a simple crisis response plan can help. Encourage your loved one to work with a mental health professional to develop a plan on an index card that can be accessed quickly.

2) Learn about the five action steps for communicating with someone who may be suicidal: Ask, Keep Them Safe, Be There, Help Them Connect, and Follow Up. Learn more from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.