If you or someone you know is in crisis, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (toll-free, 24/7) at 800-273-TALK (8255) to speak with a trained crisis counselor.
The information provided below is not meant to replace trained medical advice, please reach out to a professional for individualized guidance.
Mental health matters, and it is okay to talk about suicide.
- 12 million adults reported serious thoughts of suicide in 2019 and 1.4 million adults attempted suicide in 2018.
- Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States (2nd leading cause for ages 10-34).
- Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth are 4 times more likely to attempt suicide than their straight peers.
- Transgender people are 12 times more likely to attempt suicide than the general population.
- Florida lost 3,567 lives to suicide in 2020 and 610,000 adults had thoughts of suicide.
The resources below can assist in finding compassionate help for you or a loved one.
LOCAL RESOURCES
- Alachua County Crisis Center - Crisis and suicide intervention for county residents.
- 352-264-6789 (24 hours)
- UF Counseling and Wellness Center - Crisis support for currently enrolled University of Florida students.
- 352-392-1575 (24 hours)
- Meridian Behavioral Healthcare - Crisis intervention for adults and children. Located in Gainesville and Lake City. Meridian also visits our Library Partnership Branch every other Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- 352-374-5600, option 1 (24 hours)
- Toll free: 800-330-5615
- You can also visit NAMI Gainesville or NAMI Florida for more resources.
NATIONAL RESOURCES
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - A national network that provides free support to people in crisis or emotional distress.
- 1-800-273-8255 (24 hours)
- Online Chat
- Veteran Crisis Line - Care for veterans or service members in crisis — or those concerned about a veteran.
- 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 (24 hours)
- Text 838255
- Online Chat
- National Alliance on Mental Healthcare (NAMI)
- 800-950-6264 (Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., ET.)
- Text NAMI to 741-741 (24 hours)
- Ayuda En Español
- Deaf or Hard of Hearing
- The Trevor Project - The leading national organization providing crisis intervention to LGBTQ youth.
- 1-866-488-7386 (24 hours)
- Text START to 678-678
- Online Chat
- Trans Lifeline - A peer support phone service run by trans people. Call them if you need someone trans to talk to, even if you’re not sure you’re trans.
- 877-565-8860 (24 hours)
- Oprima 2 para hablar con unx operador en español.
- 877-565-8860 (24 hours)
MORE RESOURCES
- ACLD Teen Page - Resources to help teens and young adults tackle tough life events.
- It Gets Better Project - Provides a list of LGBTQIA+ resources.
- Now Matters Now - Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) practices.
- Calm.com/breathe - A breathing exercise following an animated visual aid.
- You Feel Like Sh*t - Offers an interactive self care flowchart for people with emotional distress.
Don't forget to visit our collection of great books and movies on mental healthcare and suicide. All materials checked out under a patron account are confidential. Remember, these books cover difficult topics, please read with caution and self-care.
Click on any of the titles below to view some of our favorites.
ADULTS
YOUNG ADULTS
CHILDREN
Suicide is a difficult topic to face, but each of us can help to fight the stigma. Reach out when you need help, and remember that no matter what you are facing, you are not alone.
“The bravest thing I ever did was continuing my life when I wanted to die.”
― Juliette Lewis