My sister ran away and we don't know if she killed herself. Please help!!

[Guest]

My whole family is worried and it's been especially hard because it's around Christmas time. Her phone says "This person is not accepting calls right now" when we call her and she deleted all of her social media. I don't know what to do

[ccsmod6]

Thank you for reaching out today, it sounds like a really stressful and scary situation for you and your whole family. It is great to see how concerned you are about your sisters’ safety and that you are looking for a way to help her.

If she is under 18 you could call the non-emergency number at your local police department and file a runaway report. It is not a crime for your sister to run away, it is called a status offense so that if the police do find her they will return her home.

Also, you can call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at (1-800-843-567 and report her missing, they have some resources for helping families search for their missing youth.

Since she has deleted her social media accounts you could reach out to her friends and see if she is taking calls, emailing or texting with any of them.

It can be very difficult and frustrating to have a sibling that suffers from depression and/or suicidal thoughts. Rethink.org offers information on how to help your sibling and a network of support for you. https://www.rethink.org/carers-famil...blings-network

When your sister returns, if she does suffer from suicidal thoughts you could also give her the number of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (1-800-273-8255).

Again, we’re really glad that you reached out to us. It takes a lot to ask for help and you are trying to figure out options for you and your sister which is really good to see. If you would like to talk further about your situation, please do not hesitate to call or chat with us. We’re here to listen, here to help.