Responding to a Suicidal Loved One or Friend
When a loved one or friend talks about ending their life CONSIDER IT A CALL TO ACTION. You can help and support them by following the Five Action Steps below. These steps are supported by evidence in the field of suicide prevention:
- Ask—It may be a tough question, but it is important to ask someone directly if they are having suicidal thoughts or contemplating ending their life. Studies show that asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts.
- Keep them safe—Work with the person to remove any lethal means available to them (e.g. firearms, knives, medications, etc.). Take them to an emergency room, or seek help from a medical or mental health professional. 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.
- Be there—Be present, listen with compassion and without judgment, and let them know you care about them. If possible, do not leave them alone. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may in fact reduce rather than increase suicidal thoughts.
- Help them stay connected—Work with them to connect to others who also care—friends, family, therapists, clergy, teachers, coaches, and the like. Also connect them with the 24/7 crisis care resources. Save 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline's number, in your phone so it's there when you need it. Also give the person Lifeline's number, and see that it is readily available to them anytime they might need it—in their cellphone, on their night stand, in the car, in a book bag, on the refrigerator, or wherever it makes sense.
- Follow up—Check in regularly with the person you are concerned about. For the days and weeks after the crisis, let them know you are thinking about them and that you are there to help if needed. These check-ins will go a long way to help that person feel cared about and start on the road to recovery. Studies have shown the number of suicide deaths goes down when someone follows up with the at-risk person.
How to Get Help for a Social Media Friend
Contact the social media site directly if you are concerned about a friend's updates, or dial 911 in an emergency. If you have found suicidal thoughts or intentions posted on Facebook, go to this website for specific directions: Link opens in a new windowhttps://www.facebook.com/help/contact/305410456169423?_rdr.
THREE THINGS to REMEMBER |
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Adapted from the National Institute of Mental Health's (NIMH's) "Suicide Prevention" at Link opens in a new windowhttps://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention