How to Help a Suicidal Person

If you are in crisis, dial 2-1-1 from anywhere in Connecticut. 2-1-1 is certified by the American Association of Suicidology. If you live outside of Connecticut use the National Hopeline number which is 1-800-784-2433.

DO:

• Take the threat seriously.
• Be direct: ask the person if s/he is contemplating suicide.
• Let the person know that you care and want to help but be realistic about how you can help.
• Explain that you must contact a trusted (i.e. teacher, coach, minister, counselor, social worker, relative, neighbor); if the person protests, remind her/him that s/he trusted you enough to share her/his feelings, now s/he must trust you enough to know what to do. Reinforce you are glad they came to you; that you do care.
• Be willing to listen.
• Be non-judgmental.
• Stay focused on the problem that suicide is designed to resolve. Offer hope that it can be managed by other means.
• Stress that suicide is permanent and irreversible.
• Use his/her ambivalence to your own advantage.
• If there's an immediate risk, call 911.

DON'T:

• Don't offer simple solutions to serious problems. Don't tell him/her that everything will be O.K.
• Don't try to minimize his/her feelings or situation or try to tell him/her how to feel.
• Don't promise him/her you will keep the secret.
• Don't leave the person alone until you can arrange for support, either immediate or long-term.