Suicide Awareness and Prevention

5 Actions Steps for Helping Someone in Emotional Pain

1. Ask: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” It’s not an easy question but studies show that asking at-risk individuals  if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts.

2. Keep them safe: Reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal items or places is an important part of suicide prevention. While this is not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means  can make a difference.

3. Be there: Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and feeling. Providing solutions or answers is less important than offering unconditional support. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may in fact reduce rather than increase  suicidal thoughts.

4. Help them connect: Save the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s number in your phone so it’s there when you need it: 1-800-8255 (TALK). You can also help make a connection with a trusted individual like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.

5. Stay Connected: Staying in touch after a crisis or after being discharged from care can make a difference. Studies have shown  the number of suicide deaths goes down when someone follows up with the at-risk person.