In China, call 12356 for depression or suicidal thoughts, and do not stockpile sleeping pills or pesticides
Evidence for moving potentially lethal items out of reach keeps growing: controls on painkillers were followed by 43% fewer related suicides, and barriers at frequently used jumping sites by an 86% reduction. Avoid stockpiling sleeping pills or pesticides. In China, 12356 is the nationwide psychological support number, available at least 18 hours a day.
What it takes
Free: make a phone call, lock medicines away and keep pesticides out of the home.
What you may gain
A systematic review of the preceding 10 years found growing evidence for restricting access to lethal means. Painkiller controls were associated with 43% fewer related suicides; barriers at jumping sites with an 86% reduction (confidence interval 79%–91%). School-based cognitive programs reduced suicide attempts by about 55% (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.24–0.85). Medication and psychotherapy for depression are important parts of suicide prevention. From May 1, 2025, China's 12356 psychological assistance hotline became accessible nationwide for at least 18 hours daily.
Context & considerations
Grade B because most means-restriction evidence comes from ecological studies comparing figures before and after policies; the hotline itself has no mortality-reduction evidence here. Suicidal impulses often last minutes to hours, so increasing the distance to lethal items is itself an intervention. For data on this time window and long-term outcomes after an attempt, see tell someone as soon as thoughts arise. For lasting harm after rescue, see poisoning consequences.
Research & references
Zalsman G et al. (2016). Suicide prevention strategies revisited: 10-year systematic review. Lancet Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(16)30030-X ; National Health Commission of China (2024). Notice on applying the unified national psychological assistance hotline number “12356,” document No. 259. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202412/content_6994470.htm