Help Others
- Get Help
- Help Others
If someone close to you is having thoughts of suicide, you can have a powerful and positive impact on them. Your support could help them think about things in a new way, remind them that there are people who care and even make them feel more comfortable about getting help.
Here are a few tips and tools that can make starting the conversation a little bit simpler.
Know The Signs
If you’re aware of the signs that someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts, you’re in a better position to help. A few common warning signs include:
- Talking about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- A lack of interest in activities
- Withdrawal or aggression after a painful event or situation
- Disturbing posts on social media or a sudden shut down of accounts
- Concerning texts
- Drawings or writing about death or dying
- For youth: Dropping of clubs, missing school or letting grades dip
Ask Them About It
It’s important to take all communication about suicide seriously, even if a friend or family member is hinting or making jokes about taking their own life. Asking someone if they are having thoughts of suicide does not cause it or plant the idea in their head. In fact, asking the person directly shows you care and may encourage the person to open up.
Taking a proactive approach is encouraged: You can lead someone you care about to find help before things get worse, and you clearly convey that you’re there to support them.
Wondering what you should say? Here are a few options to start with:
- “Are you thinking about ending your life?”
- “I’m listening.”
- “I’m here for you.”
- “I care about you, and you matter to me.”
- “There is no problem too big for us to get through together.”
- “I want to help you get help.”
If you have trouble asking yourself, you can always enlist a professional — call, text, or chat 988 and trained counselors can offer help.
Get Help
There are people who can help you help someone you care about. Young people can ask an adult they trust, and anyone can reach out to organizations like 988 that specialize in crisis intervention, mental health and suicide prevention.
Don't Keep Secrets
Rather than promising your friends that you’ll keep the things they tell you to yourself, let them know that you want to help — but you need to get other people involved.
Really Listen
Show interest and offer support without judgment. Don’t interrupt or give unwelcome advice. Express your concern and tell your friend that you — and other people — can help them through it.
If a friend or loved one has survived a suicide attempt, they may be at continued — and higher — risk. But there are ways to help.
Stay with them
Don’t leave a suicidal friend or loved one alone. Go with them to see a mental health professional or their doctor. If necessary, take them to the emergency room. Contact 988 with them.
Move them out of harms way
If there are firearms, drugs or other means of suicide in someone’s home, try to remove access to them at least until the crisis has passed. This can mean removing the items themselves or going with your friend to a different location.
Take care of yourself
Helping a suicidal friend or loved one is stressful. Make sure you get the support you need, too — talk to another friend, make sure you’re eating and sleeping properly, and do whatever else you need to make sure your own mental health is in a manageable place.