What do I do if someone is considering suicide?
By: Administrator
Date: September 11th, 2017
First, know that you can help. Suicide is preventable, and one concerned individual can make a difference.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s “Be the 1 To” Campaign suggests five concrete steps to take if you think someone might be considering suicide:
- Ask directly if the person is thinking about suicide.
- Keep them safe and separate them from anything they might use to harm themselves.
- Listen to what they have to say and avoid dismissing or judging their words.
- Help them connect to additional support, whether a family member, coach, clergy member, therapist or crisis hotline.
- Follow up and see how they’re doing. Contact in the days and weeks after a crisis can make a big difference.
If you’re concerned about someone, you don’t have to have all the answers – there are a number of organizations with help and information on preventing suicide.
If you are in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK(8255).
