I’m often asked by people, “I want to die. What should I do?”

It’s very, very sad.

But it is a reality for so many. So many people want to die at one point or another in their lives. It might be related to a mental illness like depression or it might not. But regardless as to why a person wants to die, it’s critical to know what to do if it’s happening to you or someone you care about. (Suicide and suicide attempt resources here.)

I Want to Die Right Now. What Should I Do?

The most obvious, immediate problem is when a person wants to die right now: acute suicidality. If this is you, if you are worried you are going to take your life there is only one thing to do:

Call 9-1-1 right now.

Seriously. Stop reading this and pick up the phone. Your life is worth saving and if you sought this out and are reading it right now then somewhere inside of you, you know this to be true. Calling 9-1-1 is never pleasant, but it’s worth it to see tomorrow’s sunrise. Take this on faith, just for today.

What to do if you want to die.I Want to Die Sometime. What Should I Do?

If you want to die, but you are not going to take immediate action, you still need help but you have options. The first, and maybe best option, is to call a suicide hotline. These people can help you through your immediate feelings and suggest resources that can help you.

You could also make an appointment with your GP (family doctor). Tell your doctor how you are feeling. Be honest. You doctor can only help you if he or she knows what is wrong. You doctor can provide access to resources that can offer more help.

I Want to Die All the Time. What Should I Do?

Obviously, this is horrific. I have felt like this before. I have felt like every breath is death. I have felt like every moment is just another tick of the clock towards my inevitable demise. I have felt that there is no reason to wake up ever again.

But this is not the end of the world. It probably feels like it is, but it actually isn’t.

I’ve written about the levels of suicidality and what to do when you start to feel suicidal here.

But the important thing to remember is that life isn’t always going to be this way. The sunrise will matter again. The pull of life will take over again. Your desire and your passion will return.

But until that happens, get help. Get help from doctors, therapists, friends, family, faith leaders and anyone else you can think of. Let them buoy you until who you really are returns. Because it will. And what you should do, what you must do, is remember that.