How To Help A Suicidal Person

If you know someone who is suicidal, here's what you can do to help: 

• Express your concern about factors you have observed. Be empathic and non-judgmental.
• Accept the person’s feelings as they are. Do not try to cheer him/her up by making positive, unrealistic statements.
• Show that you care and want to help.
• Ask directly about their suicidal thoughts - “Are you thinking of killing yourself?”
• Take suicidal thoughts and feelings seriously. Three out of four people who die by suicide give some warning to a friend or family member.
• Ask if he/she has developed a plan of suicide. The presence of a well-developed plan indicates a more serious intent.
• Remove lethal means of suicide from the person’s home
• Let him/her know that suicidal feelings are temporary, that depression can be treated, and that problems can be solved.
• Never agree to keep serious suicidal thoughts in confidence. Inform family members and friends.
• Be supportive and follow up.
• Assist with finding alternatives to suicide.  Develop a plan with him/her.
• If you cannot develop a plan and a suicide attempt is immenent, seek outside emergency intervention at a hospital, mental health clinic or call our Suicide Prevention Center.
• Post our 24-hour Crisis Line telephone number in his/her vicinity and by your office or home phones.