How Can I Help Others?

If someone you know is at risk for Suicide... Take it Seriously

Know What to Do

• If there is an emergency, call 911 or go to the hospital

• Call 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline

• Call a local crisis line (even if you are not the person in crisis)

• Calmly listen

• Be sensitive to how the person is feeling

• Never swear secrecy

• If you have noticed warning signs, talk with the person about what you have observed 

and ask questions to allow them to open up

• Encourage Professional Help 

• Educate yourself on local services that can help

• Empower the person and give them the crisis line phone numbers

• Don’t forget to take care of yourself – it’s especially important

when supporting others!

Know What to Say

• Say something! Don’t be afraid of sounding clumsy

• Be patient, compassionate, and non-judgmental

• Ask the person how they are feeling and if they are thinking

of suicide

• If someone is suicidal, talking about suicide will not put them

at greater risk

• Really listen. Give 100% of your attention

• Be sensitive, but direct

• Let the person know you are concerned, and give examples of why

• Example: “I’ve noticed that you’ve been not yourself lately,

I’m concerned about you. Could we talk about it?”

Note: If someone considering suicide already has a suicide plan and the means to carry it out, don’t leave them alone. Treat the situation as an emergency (see Finding Help below). Call a crisis line. Stay with them until crisis workers or other emergency workers are there to help. 

If you feel someone is in danger now...please call 911 , 988 or go to the hospital emergency room