If you believe that someone is considering suicide here are some steps that you can take to help…
Start by asking questions. The first step is to find out if the person is in danger of acting on their suicidal thoughts. Be sensitive but ask direct questions like.
•. How are you coping with what is going on in your life?
•. Are you thinking of suicide?
•. Have you ever thought about suicide or tried to hurt yourself before?
•. Have you thought about how or when you’d do it?
•. Do you have access to weapons or something that you could use to hurt yourself?
Asking about suicidal feelings or thoughts does not make it more likely that someone will harm themselves. On the contrary, giving them the chance to talk about it, can reduce the chances that they act on their suicidal feelings. If you are still concerned, the next steps are:
• Encourage them to contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988 to be connected to resources, You can offer to dial for them. You can also contact the lifeline yourself for resources
• Encourage them to seek treatment. You can offer to help make the appointment
•.Maintain communication with the person
• Don’t be disrespectful or try to trivialize their problems.
•. Don’t patronize or judge someone who is suicidal.
•. Never promise to keep a person’s suicidal thoughts a secret
•. Reassure them that things can get better.
•. Discourage the person from using drugs and alcohol.
•. If possible, remove any dangerous items from the suicidal persone environment.
If someone you know has attempted suicide you need to get them professional help immediately
•. The person should not be left alone
•. Call 911 as soon as possible, or take them to the nearest emergency room yourself if you can do so safely.
•. Try to determine if the person may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol or they may have taken an overdose Do not try to handle it alone. The person needs intervention by trained professionals.