How to Help a Person Contemplating Suicide

• Be aware. Learn the warning signs.
• Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.
• Ask if he/she is thinking about suicide.
• Be direct. Talk openly and freely about suicide.
• Be willing to listen. Allow for expressions of feelings. Accept the feelings.
• Be nonjudgmental. Don't debate whether suicide is right or wrong or whether feelings are good or bad. Don t lecture on the value of life.
• Don't dare him/her to do it.
• Don t give advice by making decisions for someone else to tell them to behave differently.
• Don't ask why. This encourages defensiveness.
• Offer empathy, not sympathy.
• Don't act shocked. This creates distance.
• Don't be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.
• Offer hope that alternatives are available. Do not offer glib reassurance; it only proves you don't understand.
• Take action! Remove means! Get help from individuals or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.

(AAS, 2004)

Always take threats of suicide seriously! If you or someone you know is in crisis, seek immediate help:

• Call 911.

• Call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433).

• Check your local phone book. Most phone books have emergency numbers in the first few pages, listing such resources as local crisis and mental health services.