Ways To Help

 

Once you have noticed that someone is struggling or  contemplating suicide, there are many ways to help. The National Institute of Mental Health suggests taking these 5 steps to help someone experiencing emotional pain who may be at risk for suicide:

 

1- Ask: Although it may seem uncomfortable, asking someone you’re concerned about if they’re thinking about suicide is an important first step in preventing suicide. Ask directly and simply: “are you thinking about killing yourself?” Although this may seem uncomfortable at first, research consistently finds that asking people if they are thinking of suicide does not increase suicidal thoughts or behaviors and can actually be helpful.

2- Keep them safe: Keeping a suicidal person away from lethal means (especially firearms) or any object, tool, or setting that can be used to harm themselves is integral to suicide prevention. Ask the person if they are considering a plan, and if so, remove any means that are a part of this plan. Removing access to firearms, whether or not the person has expressed a specific plan to use it to harm themselves, can also be life saving. It is also important to not leave a person contemplating suicide alone.

3- Be there: Let the person talk about their feelings and experiences. Listen carefully and nonjudgmentally. You don’t have to worry about having the perfect response and it’s okay if you don’t know exactly what to say. Just listening, acknowledging their thoughts and feelings, and letting them know you care can be helpful.

4- Connect them to people and professionals who can help: Although your support and care can be helpful and meaningful, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Please reach out to others for help or encourage the person to reach out to reach out to others, such as:

  • The suicide prevention crisis line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text TALK to 741741, or chat at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/

  • It’s a good idea to save this info in your phone in case you need to use it yourself or share it with someone in the future.

  • Help connect them to their doctor or therapist if they have one.

  • Help connect them with a trusted family member or friend who can help.

5- Stay connected: Check in after a crisis and stay in touch. Showing that you care over the long term can make a big difference.

 

For information about how to help, please see: