Listen to the Person
Be attentive and reach out to the person. Take the person seriously and listen carefully. Remain objective and non-judgmental. Assure the person that something can be done. Never promise to keep it a secret. Their life is too important.
Determine Risk
Be aware of the risk factors and warning signs. Ask the person directly about any intentions of suicide. Discuss suicide openly and honestly.
Get Help
Offer support and encourage hope. Focus on the person’s strengths. Agree to go get help with them. Don’t take on their problems; try to help connect them with someone who can support them. Take all threats seriously.
Never Do It Alone
Share responsibility by involving family, close friends, a family doctor, clergy, and/or other support services. Check in by phone, text or e-mail.
More Information
You can help others by being informed about how to safely talk about suicide. For more information on training to prepare yourself to have conversations around suicide, check out the SafeTALK and/or ASIST training through LivingWorks.
