Suicide

What do I do: If I know someone who is thinking about suicide?

1. Don’t be afraid to talk to them about it. If you are not sure, ask them if they are having thoughts of ending their life
2. Help them seek out the assistance of others such as the contact organizations listed above as well as ministers, counselors, and family members
3. If you believe that they are in imminent danger of killing themselves call 9-1-1 immediately
4. It is not uncommon for those who are contemplating suicide to drop hints at what they are planning. Always take these hints seriously. Never assume that they are simply seeking attention.
5. Listen closely for their greatest sources of pain and try to identify with them. Communicate your desire to understand the pain that they are experiencing while acknowledging that you cannot understand fully.
6. Spend time building a relationship with them. Ask good probing questions and talk in terms of how hard it must be for them. You cannot simply tell them that suicide is wrong.
7. People considering suicide often feel alone and isolated. Listen for potential support networks already existent in their life. Social support is an absolute must for those struggling with suicide. These may be the people that you have to turn to intervene in the person’s life.
8. Remind the caller of the people in his or her life that will be hurt by this decision. Do not use guilt; rather help them see the immense pain that these people will experience.
9. Share your concern and love for them. Assure them that you care about their life and will be impacted by their decision to end their life.