At NAMI-NYC, we offer programs and initiatives to prevent suicides, especially for vulnerable teens and young adults. We also want families to know that they are not alone when their loved one struggles with suicidal ideation or they experience loss.

Our Programs & Initiatives 

At NAMI-NYC, we are fostering open conversations around mental health challenges, including suicidal ideation. 12.8 million U.S. adults have thoughts of suicide–and talking about it reduces risk and connects community members to much needed support.

People with bipolar disorder face a high risk of suicide, especially without treatment. The National Mental Health Association notes that 30%–70% of people who die by suicide have experienced some form of depression. Although more women attempt suicide, men account for nearly 75% of suicide deaths. 

As a peer-led, peer-run organization, there is no judgment here. Suicidal thoughts happen. We can talk about it directly. We can address it. We hope that you join our free programs and community.     

Find Support 

Support Groups: We offer one-of-a-kind suicide prevention groups for individuals and their family members. Join an upcoming session.

• About 12.8 million adults have thoughts of suicide. Living with Thoughts of Suicide is a peer-led support group. It is a safe space to talk about what it’s like to have those thoughts, how to manage them, and find community. 
• If you have lost a loved one to suicide, NAMI-NYC’s Suicide Loss Survivors is a non-clinical support group offered in partnership with The Samaritans NYC to build a community with people who understand.
• Join us for Living with Bipolar I or Schizoaffective or Living with Bipolar II, where you can develop coping skills, share common experiences, gain self-advocacy skills, and find community.

Classes: In our signature classes, Basics, Peer-to-Peer, and Family-to-Family, we talk about difficult moments for our family members and us – and that includes suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, and suicide loss. These are topics treated with safety and care in an understanding community.

Family Match: Connect with a trained volunteer in the same relationship and witnessing the same mental health conditions as you through our Family Match program. You will be matched for 3 consecutive months for phone support, two calls per month.

Helpline: Our non-emergency Helpline is for any mental health questions – or if you just need to talk. Call/text, chat, or send us an email, and we can connect you to free programs for you or a family member.

Learn with Us 

Ending the Silence: We equip parents, teachers, and students to recognize signs of mental health challenges before reaching a crisis. If they experience suicidal ideation, middle and high school students learn how to talk about it and connect to support. Book a presentation in English or Spanish.

Workplace Mental Health Trainings: What can you do when you see a trusted colleague or direct report struggling at work? We offer trainings to facilitate those discussions professionally and reduce mental health stigma in the workplace. Learn more about our trainings.

NAMI-NYC Workplace Mental Health Initiative Workplace Suicide Project: NAMI-NYC is seeking individuals to share their experiences after losing a colleague to suicide. Your stories are vital in helping us understand the profound impact of such losses and will inform recommendations for how companies can better support employees during these challenging times. If you’re open to discussing your experience in an interview, please fill out this form.