The goal of any suicide prevention hotline is to prevent suicide, but how do suicide prevention hotlines help? This is a question that many people have asked and yet few answers are agreed upon by experts. Suicide prevention is very difficult to quantify, but a message people who work suicide hotlines often get from callers is that the hotline, "saved my life."

A Suicide Prevention Hotline and a Life Saved

If you talk to anonymous suicide hotline operators, they can all tell you stories where lives have been saved on the phone. In a Time article, Inside the National Suicide Hotline: Preventing the Next Tragedy, a call operator recalls when a man called the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline feeling like he was a burden on everyone and that his family would be better off without him.

He was drinking heavily, had a gun with him and was driving himself to a place where he could shoot himself and no one would find him. The operator was able to convince the man to stop by the side of the road, leave the gun in the car and walk to the nearest hospital. The operator remained on the phone with the man for the mile-and-a-half walk. There seems little question that a man's life was saved that night.

And stories like this are experienced by all Lifeline operators.

Evidence for Suicide Prevention Hotlines

It is difficult to gather strict evidence about the effectiveness of suicide prevention hotlines, but Dr. Madelyn Gould of Columbia University found that of Lifeline callers:

• 12% of suicidal callers said that talking to someone at Lifeline prevented them from harming or killing themselves
• Almost 50% followed through with a counselor's referral to seek emergency services or contacted mental health services
• About 80% said that Lifeline had something to do with keeping them alive

How Does a Suicide Prevention Hotline Prevent Suicide?

Suicide prevention hotlines are people's last line of defense against the final act of suicide or the harmful act of a suicide attempt. People will call a suicide hotline with a gun, physically or metaphorically to their heads. No other suicide prevention means can step in at that time. And while everyone would prefer people get help long before they get to that place, once they are there, suicide prevention hotlines are critical in helping someone through that situation.

Suicide prevention hotlines help because:

• Suicide prevention hotline operators do not believe in the stigma of suicide and do not judge callers for their feelings, actions or personal circumstances. This attitude is highly beneficial to the callers and a hard thing to find elsewhere.
• Suicide prevention hotline workers are trained professionals and know what to say and do in a crisis.
• Suicidal callers often open up to strangers in an honest way that they find difficult to do elsewhere.
• Hotline operators are able to make referrals to mental health resources that many callers follow up on.
• Suicide prevention hotline operators truly listen to callers and let them know that someone does care about their lives.

Although effective hoarding treatment is available, treatment often has mixed results. For one, people with hoarding disorder (compulsive hoarding) may not want help for hoarding because many of them don't have insight into the excessive nature of their behaviors. The majority of hoarders won't seek help on their own, leaving it up to others to care enough to intervene on their behalf. For those who need hoarding help, it's important to find a mental health professional or therapist with experience in hoarding treatment.

Effective Help for Hoarding

Finding effective help for hoarding may prove difficult. The medications and psychotherapies proven to effectively treat obsessive-compulsive disorder don't seem to work as well in treating hoarders.
Mental health experts have developed a unique type of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for hoarding treatment. It involves 26 weekly sessions with some of those carried out in the patient's home. This special form of CBT uses the following strategies in combination:

• Motivational interviewing (to elevate their motivation to get better)
• Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) therapy
• Skills training (i.e. organization)

This special form of CBT focuses on the following hoarding symptoms and behaviors:

• Excessive acquisition and saving
• Extreme difficulty throwing items out
• Clutter and disorganization that impairs daily life

Scientists continue to research effective medications for treating hoarding disorder. The most commonly used medicines in treating the condition are known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like paroxetine (Paxil^®). Unfortunately, patient response to this and other SSRIs isn't as positive as when doctors use them to treat OCD.

Help for Hoarding in Group Therapy

Group therapy sessions provide help for hoarding and the problems associated with it, such as isolation and shame. Group hoarding treatment allows the patient an opportunity to hear others' experiences and share their own. These sessions can motivate as well as inspire hope for a better life. A licensed therapist or another mental health professional may lead these group sessions or they may take the form of self-help groups led by peers or experienced coaches.

Finding Effective Hoarding Help

Since people suffering from the disorder rarely take the initiative to find hoarding help, it's often up to those who care about them to take the first step. First, whether you are a hoarder or love someone who is, educate yourself about this mental illness. 

Although there are relatively few therapists and other mental health professionals with experience and training in treating hoarding, the International OCD Foundation has a Treatment Provider Database where you can look for a therapist in your area. Alternatively, you can also talk to your primary care physician and ask if he or she knows of a therapist with experience in treating the disorder or call your county psychological association or county medical society and ask for a referral.

article references

Suicide IS PERMANENT!

IF YOU NEED IMMEDIATE HELP...

The internet is not a great place for immediate one-on-one communication. If you're feeling suicidal or overwhelmed by anxiety, internet help is available, but should be tried only after you have called a friend, loved one, clergy, doctor, a local hotline, or 911.

To access slower internet help, contact Samaritans. Samaritans is a British institution providing free and confidential suicide intervention. To talk to a Samaritan by phone, get the number at their web site: for the Welsh Language, rest of world.

If you have a friend or a loved one who is suicidal:

• What Can I Do To Help Someone Who May Be Suicidal?
• Warning Signs
• Why do People Kill Themselves?
• Myths About Suicide

Understanding and Helping a Suicidal Person

What Can I Do To Help Someone Who May Be Suicidal?

1. TAKE IT SERIOUSLY

a. Myth: "The people who talk about it don't do it." Studies have found that more than 75% of all completed suicides did things in the few weeks or months prior to their deaths to indicate to others that they were in deep despair. Anyone expressing suicidal feelings needs immediate attention.

b. Myth: "Anyone who tries to kill himself has got to be crazy." Perhaps 10% of all suicidal people are psychotic or have delusional beliefs about reality. Most suicidal people suffer from the recognized mental illness of depression, but many depressed people adequately manage their daily affairs. The absence of "craziness" does not mean the absence of suicide risk.

c. "Those problems weren't enough to die by suicide over," is often said by people who knew a person who completed suicide. You cannot assume that because you feel something is not worth being suicidal about, that the person you are with feels the same way. It is not how bad the problem is, but how badly it's hurting the person who has it.

2. REMEMBER: SUICIDAL BEHAVIOR IS A CRY FOR HELP

Myth: "If someone is going to kill himself, nothing can stop him." The fact that a person is still alive is sufficient proof that part of him wants to remain alive. The suicidal person is ambivalent - part of him wants to live and part of him wants not so much death as he wants the pain to end. It is the part that wants to live that tells another "I feel suicidal." If a suicidal person turns to you it is likely that he believes that you are more caring, more informed about coping with misfortune, and more willing to protect his confidentiality. No matter how negative the manner and content of his talk, he is doing a positive thing and has a positive view of you.

3. BE WILLING TO GIVE AND GET HELP SOONER RATHER THAN LATER

Suicide prevention is not a last-minute activity. All textbooks on depression say it should be reached as soon as possible. Unfortunately, suicidal people are afraid that trying to get help may bring them more pain: being told they are stupid, foolish, sinful, or manipulative; rejection; punishment; suspension from school or job; written records of their condition; or involuntary commitment. You need to do everything you can to reduce pain, rather than increase or prolong it. Constructively involving yourself on the side of life as early as possible will reduce the risk of suicide.

4. LISTEN

Give the person every opportunity to unburden his troubles and vent his feelings. You don't need to say much and there are no magic words. If you are concerned, your voice and manner will show it. Give him relief from being alone with his pain; let him know you are glad he turned to you. Patience, sympathy, acceptance. Avoid arguments and advice giving.

5. ASK: "ARE YOU HAVING THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE?"

Myth: "Talking about it may give someone the idea." People already have the idea; suicide is constantly in the news media. If you ask a despairing person this question you are doing a good thing for them: you are showing him that you care about him, that you take him seriously, and that you are willing to let him share his pain with you. You are giving him further opportunity to discharge pent up and painful feelings. If the person is having thoughts of suicide, find out how far along his suicidal ideation has progressed.

6. IF THE PERSON IS ACUTELY SUICIDAL, DO NOT LEAVE HIM ALONE

If the means are present, try to get rid of them. Detoxify the home.

7. URGE PROFESSIONAL HELP

Persistence and patience may be needed to seek, engage and continue with as many options as possible. In any referral situation, let the person know you care and want to maintain contact.

8. NO SECRETS

It is the part of the person that is afraid of more pain that says "Don't tell anyone." It is the part that wants to stay alive that tells you about it. Respond to that part of the person and persistently seek out a mature and compassionate person with whom you can review the situation. (You can get outside help and still protect the person from pain causing breaches of privacy.) Do not try to go it alone. Get help for the person and for yourself. Distributing the anxieties and responsibilities of suicide prevention makes it easier and much more effective.

9. FROM CRISIS TO RECOVERY

Most people have suicidal thoughts or feelings at some point in their lives; yet less than 2% of all deaths are suicides. Nearly all suicidal people suffer from conditions that will pass with time or with the assistance of a recovery program. There are hundreds of modest steps we can take to improve our response to the suicidal and to make it easier for them to seek help. Taking these modest steps can save many lives and reduce a great deal of human suffering.

How You Can Help

Most suicides can be prevented by sensitive responses to the person in crisis. If you think someone you know may be suicidal, you should:

1. Remain calm. In most instances, there is no rush. Sit and listen - really listen to what the person is saying. Give understanding and active emotional support for his or her feelings.
2. Deal directly with the topic of suicide. Most individuals have mixed feelings about death and dying and are open to help. Don't be afraid to ask or talk directly about suicide.
3. Encourage problem-solving and positive actions. Remember that the person involved in emotional crisis is not thinking clearly; encourage him or her to refrain from making any serious, irreversible decisions while in a crisis. Talk about the positive alternatives which may establish hope for the future.
4. Get assistance. Although you want to help, do not take full responsibility by trying to be the sole counsel. Seek out resources which can lend qualified help, even if it means breaking a confidence. Let the troubled person know you are concerned - so concerned that you are willing to arrange help beyond that which you can offer.

UCLA suicide prevention experts have summarized the information to be conveyed to a person in crisis as follows:

• The suicidal crisis is temporary.
• Unbearable pain can be survived.
• Help is available.
• You are not alone.

WARNING SIGNS POSSIBLY LEADING TO SUICIDE

A. Conditions associated with increased risk of suicide

• Death or terminal illness of relative or friend.
• Divorce, separation, broken relationship, stress on family.
• Loss of health (real or imaginary).
• Loss of job, home, money, status, self-esteem, personal security.
• Alcohol or drug abuse.
• Depression. In younger individuals, depression may be masked by hyperactivity or acting out behavior. In the elderly, it may be incorrectly attributed to the natural effects of aging. Depression that seems to quickly disappear for no apparent reason is cause for concern. The early stages of recovery from depression can be a high-risk period. Recent studies have associated anxiety disorders with increased risk for attempted suicide

B. Emotional and behavioral changes associated with suicide

• Overwhelming Pain: pain that threatens to exceed the person's pain coping capacities. Suicidal feelings are often the result of longstanding problems that have been exacerbated by recent precipitating events. The precipitating factors may be new pain or the loss of pain coping resources.
• Personality changes: becomes sad, withdrawn, tired, apathetic, anxious, irritable, or prone to angry outbursts.
• Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt, self-hatred, "no one cares". Fears of losing control, harming self or others.
• Powerlessness: the feeling that one's resources for reducing pain are exhausted.
• Hopelessness: the feeling that the pain will continue or get worse; things will never get better.
• Declining performance in school, work, or other activities. (Occasionally the reverse: someone who volunteers for extra duties because they need to fill up their time.)
• Social isolation or association with a group that has different moral standards than those of the family.
• Declining interest in sex, friends, or activities previously enjoyed.
• Neglect of personal welfare, deteriorating physical appearance.
• Alterations in either direction in sleeping or eating habits.
• (Particularly in the elderly) Self-starvation, dietary mismanagement, disobeying medical instructions.
• Difficult times: holidays, anniversaries, and the first week after discharge from a hospital; just before and after diagnosis of a major illness; just before and during disciplinary proceedings. Undocumented status adds to the stress of a crisis.

C. Suicidal Behavior

• Previous suicide attempts, "mini-attempts".
• Explicit statements of suicidal ideation or feelings.
• Development of suicidal plan, acquiring the means, "rehearsal" behavior, setting a time for the attempt.
• Self-inflicted injuries, such as cuts, burns, or head banging.
• Reckless behavior. (Besides suicide, other leading causes of death among young people in New York City are homicide, accidents, drug overdose, and AIDS.) Unexplained accidents among children and the elderly.
• Making out a will or giving away favorite possessions.
• Inappropriately saying goodbye.
• Verbal behavior that is ambiguous or indirect: "I'm going away on a real long trip.", "You won't have to worry about me anymore.", "I want to go to sleep and never wake up.", "I'm so depressed, I just can't go on.", "Does God punish suicides?", "Voices are telling me to do bad things.", requests for euthanasia information, inappropriate joking, stories or essays on morbid themes.

A WARNING ABOUT WARNING SIGNS

The majority of the population, at any one time, does not have many of the warning signs and has a lower suicide risk rate. But a lower rate, in a larger population, is still a lot of people - and many completed suicides had only a few of the conditions listed above. In a one person to another person situation, all indications of suicidality need to be taken seriously.

Crisis Intervention Hotlines that accept calls from the suicidal, or anyone who wishes to discuss a problem, are (in New York City): The Samaritans at 212-673-3000 and Helpline at 212-532-2400.

SUICIDE PREVENTION

Why Do People Kill Themselves?

The common link among people who kill themselves is the belief that suicide is the only solution to a set of overwhelming feelings. The attraction of suicide is that it will finally end these unbearable feelings. The tragedy of suicide is that intense emotional distress often blinds people to alternative solutions... yet other solutions are almost always available.

We all experience feelings of loneliness, depression, helplessness, and hopelessness, from time to time. The death of a family member, the breakup of a relationship, blows to our self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness, and/or major financial setbacks are serious which all of us may have to face at some point in our lives. Because each person's emotional makeup is unique, each of us responds to situations differently.

In considering whether a person may be suicidal, it is imperative that the crisis be evaluated from that person's perspective. What may seem of minor importance to someone else - and an event that may be in-significant to you can be extremely distressful to another. Regardless of the nature of the crisis, if a person feels overwhelmed, there is danger that suicide may seem an attractive solution.

Danger Signals

At least 70 percent of all people committing suicide give some clue as to their intentions before they make an attempt. Becoming aware of these clues and the severity of the person's problems can help prevent such a tragedy. If a person you know is going through a particularly stressful situation - perhaps having difficulty maintaining a meaningful relationship, having consistent failure in meeting preset goals, or even experiencing stress at having failed an important test- watch for other signs of crisis.

Many persons convey their intentions directly with statements such as "I feel like killing myself," or "I don't know how much longer I can take this."

Others in crisis may hint at a detailed suicide plan with statements such as "I've been saving up my pills in case things get really bad," or "Lately I've been driving my car like I really don't care what happens." In general, statements describing feelings of depression, helplessness, extreme loneliness, and/or hopelessness may suggest suicidal thoughts. It is important to listen to these "cries for help" because they are usually desperate attempts to communicate to others the need to be understood and helped.

Often persons thinking about suicide show outward changes in their behavior. They may prepare for death by giving away prized possessions, making a will, or putting other affairs in order. They may withdraw from those around them, change eating or sleeping patterns, or lose interest in prior activities or relationships. A sudden, intense lift in spirits may also be a danger signal, as it may indicate the person already feels a sense of relief knowing the problems will "soon be ended."

Myths about Suicide

MYTH: "You have to be crazy even to think about suicide."

FACT: Most people have thought of suicide form time-to-time. Most suicides and suicide attempts are made by intelligent, temporarily confused individuals who are expecting too much of themselves, especially in the midst of a crisis.

MYTH: "Once a person has made a serious suicide attempt, that person is unlikely to make another."

FACT: The opposite is often true. Persons who have made prior suicide attempts may be at greater risk of actually committing suicide; for some, suicide attempts may seem easier a second or third time.

MYTH: "If a person is seriously considering suicide, there is nothing you can do."

FACT: Most suicide crises are time-limited and based on unclear thinking. Persons attempting suicide want to escape from their problems. Instead, they need to confront their problems directly in order to find other solutions - solutions which can be found with the help of concerned individuals who support them through the crisis period, until they are able to think more clearly.

MYTH: "Talking about suicide may give a person the idea."

FACT: The crisis and resulting emotional distress will already have triggered the thought in a vulnerable person. Your openness and concern in asking about suicide will allow the person experiencing pain to talk about the problem which may help reduce his or her anxiety. This may also allow the person with suicidal thoughts to feel less lonely or isolated, and perhaps a bit relieved.

Comprehensive Information on Suicide

When people are in a crisis, where they are considering taking their own lives, it's critical that they reach out to a resource such as a suicide hotline. However, many people are scared of calling a suicide hotline as they aren't sure what will happen if they do call. This fear might keep some people away. Understanding what happens when you call a suicide hotline can help ease your worries and make reaching out to one easier.

Ways of Contacting Suicide Hotlines

Because people in distress are all different, people choose to access suicide hotline services in different ways. Suicide hotlines provide a toll-free number, but many also provide online chat, email, and text messaging hotline services as well. You should choose to access a suicide hotline in the way that makes you the most comfortable. Calls to most suicide hotlines are confidential and free.

Who Answers a Call at a Suicide Hotline?

Suicide hotlines are typically staffed by trained personnel but it depends on the specific hotline as to how they're trained. Some suicide hotlines are manned by volunteers with minimal training whereas the operators at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, for example, are skilled, trained counselors that are often in your area.

Suicide hotlines that are for specific types of crises, such as the concerns of veterans or of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered or queer (LGBTQ) individuals, are generally trained in the main issues facing those populations. Often you'll speak to a member of that group his or herself when you call that type of suicide hotline.

What Happens When You Call a Suicide Hotline?

Depending on the suicide hotline, your call may be routed to a central location or, as in the case of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, your call may be answered by the center closest to you. When you call, you'll typically hear a message confirming the number you have reached and then on-hold music until someone can answer your call.

Once your call is answered, a caring and trained person will listen to you, learn about your situation, ask questions and will then generally tell you about mental health services in your area. Services in your area can range from a mobile response team to a suicide prevention center staffed with counselors where you can be accommodated overnight.

Will the Police Get Called If I'm Suicidal and Call a Suicide Hotline?

This is a tricky question and the answer is neither "yes" nor "no." In the vast majority of cases, no police (or other authority) involvement is required and in the cases where emergency help is needed, suicide hotline staff will make every attempt to gain permission to send them. The goal of a suicide hotline is to help you with your personal crisis and no one-size-fits-all solution is possible.

That being said, if you are actively suicidal and threatening to imminently hurt yourself, it is possible that emergency personnel may be called without your permission. While no one likes that scenario, it truly is the best, lifesaving thing an operator can do in a small number of cases.

Are Calls to a Suicide Hotline Helpful?

While some people have had negative experiences with suicide hotlines, it's worth remembering that this is the exception and not the rule. People on the other end of suicide hotline calls are generally caring people who want to help you and this leads to primarily positive experiences. Your life is always worth a phone call and every option is preferable to suicide.

If You're in a Crisis Now

If you're in a crisis now, do not hesitate to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

• 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• To chat online with a counselor, click here: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
• For the hearing impaired, contact the Lifeline by TTY at: 1-800-799-4889

The reasons people are driven to think about suicide are vast and the reasons that people call a suicide crisis hotline also run the gamut. Reasons may be family- or friend-related or personal. What's clear is that when someone phones one of these suicide crisis hotlines is that they are in crisis for their own, personal reasons. Crisis hotlines do not judge people for being suicidal nor do they judge their reasons for calling. If you are in crisis now, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at:

• 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• To chat online with a counselor, click here: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
• For the hearing impaired, contact the Lifeline by TTY at: 1-800-799-4889

What Is a Suicide Crisis?

Anytime a person is considering suicide, it is a crisis. People outside of crises do not consider taking their own lives, so when one is truly considering suicide, it should always be taken seriously. It's critical to reach out during a suicide crisis as people want to help, but you have to reach out first to get that help.

Reasons a Person Might Be in Crisis

People arrive at suicide crisis for many reasons but, typically, it's because they're overwhelmed by a problem they may not be able to solve themselves. For example, a teen who is constantly getting bullied at school may not be able to stop the bullying without outside help and if the teen has tried to get help and the bullying hasn't stopped, he or she could easily become overwhelmed with the situation and such situations can, and do, lead to thinking about suicide.

Another example of a person who may be in crisis is a person with a mental illness such as depression. A person suffering from depression, particularly if they're not in treatment, may be driven to suicidal feelings because of an illness they didn't not ask for and cannot control. A person with depression will likely need professional help to get them out of this crisis.

Reasons People Call a Suicide Crisis Hotline

Generally, it is only an overwhelming crisis that leads people to feel that taking their own lives is the only way out. It is in this state that people become suicidal and call a hotline. According to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the reasons people have called their hotline include:

• Substance abuse
• Economic concerns
• Relationship and family problems
• Sexual orientation
• Abuse
• Mental and physical illness
• Loneliness

The Lifeline emphasizes that anyone in a crisis may call, whether they are considering suicide or not.

If you are not in immediate danger, please refer to one of the suicide hotline numbers below.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of hurting yourself or someone else, call 9-1-1 (or your local emergency number) immediately. Do not wait. For a mental health crisis in the United States, call 9-8-8.

Emergency operators on the phone can help you right now. These people care about you and want to help you. Your life is important and you are worth the phone call.

Suicide Hotline Numbers

There are many suicide hotline numbers in the United States and around the world. Suicide hotlines can be critical sources of help as their operators can talk to you about your thoughts of suicide or other distress and they provide someone to reach out to 24 hours a day.

United States National Suicide Hotline

In the United States, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (also sometimes known as the National Suicide Hotline) is a network of 163 crisis centers in 49 states and is a free service. This is the primary suicide hotline for the U.S. and anyone who feels they are in a crisis should call this line. According to the National Suicide

Prevention Lifeline, people have called them for help with substance abuse, economic concerns, family problems, sexual orientation, abuse, illness and even loneliness. Anyone who is in crisis for any reason is encouraged to call. The number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is:

• 988 (1-800-273-8255 will continue to work for some time)
• To chat online with a national suicide hotline counselor, click here: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/
• See the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
• For the hearing impaired, contact the Lifeline by TTY at: 1-800-799-4889

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Other Free Suicide Hotlines

There are other free suicide hotlines in the United States for specific populations as well.

• The veterans suicide hotline (Veterans Crisis Line): 1-800-273-8255, press 1 or text to 838255 (available 24 hours a day, seven days a week)

• Veterans Crisis Line online chat: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chat
• Veterans Crisis Line website: http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) Suicide Hotline (the Trevor Lifeline): 1-866-488-7386 (available 24 hours a day, seven days a week)

• TrevorChat online chat: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help-now (Available 7 days a week (3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. PT).)
• TrevorText text messaging: Text the word "Trevor" to 1-202-304-1200 (Available on Fridays (4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. PT)
• The Trevor Project website: http://www.thetrevorproject.org/

• Teen suicide hotline (Thursday's Child National Youth Advocacy Hotline): 1-800-USA-KIDS (872-5437) (available 24 hours a day, seven days a week)

• Thursday's Child website (lists many additional teen hotlines): http://www.thursdayschild.org/

• You Matter website: https://youmatter.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
• Christian Suicide Prevention website: http://www.christiansuicideprevention.com/

For International Suicide Hotline Callers

If you are calling from outside of the United States, these numbers won't be available to you. No matter where you are, though, help is available. Find lists of international suicide hotline numbers at:

• The International Association for Suicide Prevention: https://www.iasp.info/index.php
• Befrienders Worldwide: http://www.befrienders.org/need-to-talk

Coming out bisexual can be a difficult process. There are many questions that need to be answered and the evaluation of the risks versus rewards of coming out bisexual must also be considered.

There is, however, one universal truth: the most important, and perhaps the only truly necessary person to come out to, is you. Once you have done that, you can come out as bisexual to others based on your comfort level. It doesn't have to be immediate. Take your time and do what feels right to you. Make sure that you've answered the question "Am I bisexual?" and feel confident with the answer. This will help you in coming out to others.

Considerations in Coming Out Bisexual

You must also be aware that mood matters. If you are going to come out to someone as bisexual and make it seem like something bad or depressing, you can put the person in the wrong frame of mind. This can affect how receptive they will be towards your news.

Some people may not be ready for the conversation and so you may want to get to the subject of coming out bisexual indirectly. Strange and awkward questions can sometimes come up when coming out bisexual as well. These may be due to shock as opposed to lack of support. It is important to stay calm and keep the answers simple and short. Try to maintain the least amount of confusion possible.

Coming Out Bisexual: I'm Still the Same Person

Make perfectly clear that you are still the same person you have always been and be clear about how you feel. You may also choose to not come out as bisexual to everyone, such as a person that you depend on financially who may be homophobic or biphobic. Ultimately, it is a very important decision in your life, so it is your call in the end to whom you come out bisexual, or whether to come out at all.

article references

There are plenty of myths about bisexuality. For some, the concept of bisexuality is confusing and out of this confusion comes misunderstandings, stereotypes, and myths about bisexuality. These can lead to misconceptions of what it means to be bisexual. It also calls into question the validity of bisexuality which can lead to the devaluing of bisexuals as people and biphobia.

3 Myths About Bisexuality

Here are some of the myths about bisexuality that can affect both men and women:

Myth: Bisexuality Is Only a Phase

This myth comes from people in the process of finding their sexuality that have a bisexual experience, even though they are not bisexual. In bisexuality, the physical and emotional attraction is more important than gender and, because of this, bisexuals choose to not limit themselves to either men or women.

Myth: Bisexual People Are Just Confused

There are varying degrees of bisexuality:

• Some bisexuals choose to "lean straight," meaning they generally prefer members of the opposite sex, while same-sex partners are still an option
• Other bisexuals can "lean gay," where they prefer members of the same sex but opposite gender relationships can still be an option

This is a matter of personal choice and has nothing to do with confusion. (read: Am I Bisexual?)

Myth: Bisexuality Equals Promiscuity

The process of finding a partner for dating, sex or a lasting relationship is basically the same for everyone regardless of sexuality. However, just because the amount of potential partners has increased, this does not translate to promiscuous behavior.

article references

If you have been asking yourself, "am I bisexual," ask yourself one simple question:

Has every person I have been attracted to belonged to the same gender?

If the answer is "no," then you might feel comfortable calling yourself a bisexual.

However, self-identity is a choice that you alone can make and there are other terms which may more closely fit you, such as:

• Bicurious
• Pansexual
• Biromantic
• Omnisexual

Figuring Out "Am I Bisexual?"

Some people have certain ideas about bisexuals that are largely based on assumptions, myths, and stereotypes. However, no matter how you or anyone else defines the terms gay, straight, bicurious, pansexual or any other type of sexuality, a bisexual is a person attracted to more than one gender.

There is no such thing as a "proper" bisexual. You may be attracted to only one gender for specific periods of your life or you may be attracted to both genders life-long. (read: Are Bisexuals Equally Attracted to Men and Women?) You may care about your partner's gender a lot or not at all. However, gender is not the deciding factor in the attraction.

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