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