If you're thinking about suicide, please read or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) in the U.S.! To find a suicide helpline outside the U.S.
Ways to start a conversation about suicide:"I have been feeling concerned about you lately.""Recently, I have noticed some differences in you and wondered how you are doing.""I wanted to check in with you because you haven't seemed yourself lately."
Questions you can ask:"When did you begin feeling like this?""Did something happen to make you start feeling this way?""How can I best support you right now?""Have you thought about getting help?"
What you can say that helps:"You are not alone in this. I'm here for you.""You may not believe it now, but the way you're feeling will change.""I may not be able to understand exactly how you feel, but I care about you and want to help.""When you want to give up, tell yourself you will hold off for just one more day, hour, minute—whatever you can manage."
When talking to a suicidal person
Do:
Be yourself. Let the person know you care, that they are not alone. Finding the right words are not nearly as important as showing your concern.
Listen. Let your friend or loved one vent and unload their feelings. No matter how negative the conversation seems, the fact that it is taking place is a positive sign.
Be sympathetic and non-judgmental. The suicidal person is doing the right thing by talking about their feelings, no matter how difficult it may be to hear.
Offer hope. Reassure your loved one that help is available and that the suicidal feelings are temporary. Let the person know that their life is important to you.
Take the person seriously. If a suicidal person says things like, "I'm so depressed, I can't go on," ask if they're having thoughts of suicide. You're allowing them to share their pain with you, not putting ideas in their head.
But don't:
Argue with the suicidal person. Avoid saying things like: "You have so much to live for," "Your suicide will hurt your family," or "Just snap out of it."
Act shocked, lecture on the value of life, or argue that suicide is wrong.
Promise confidentiality or be sworn to secrecy. A life is at stake and you may need to speak to a mental health professional in order to keep the suicidal person safe. If you promise to keep your discussions secret, you may have to break your word.
Offer ways to fix your loved one's problems, give advice, or make them feel like they have to justify their suicidal feelings. It is not about how bad the problem is, but how badly it's hurting your friend or loved one.
Blame yourself. You can't "fix" someone else's depression. Your friend or loved one's happiness, or lack thereof, is not your responsibility.
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Poetryhttps://www.helpguide.org/articles/suicide-prevention/suicide-prevention.htm Myth: People who talk about suicide won't really do it. Fact: Almost everyone who attempts suicide has given some clue or warning. Don't ignore even indirect references to...
