How to Help a friend - What To Do

What can I do?

How will you respond if you recognize your friend may be thinking of suicide?  How will you respond if your friend confides in you that they are considering suicide or says, "I’m going to kill myself."?

First, don’t panic if your friend comes to you asking for help.  Remain calm.  YOU CAN HELP.  Here are some steps you can take to help your friend.

• Listen carefully to what your friend is saying.  Talking to the person about what they are feeling or thinking can help relieve some of their anxiety.
• Let your friend know you care. Be supportive, not judgmental.
• Take it seriously.  Always take any comments about hurting oneself or killing oneself serious.
• Seek help.  Get a responsible adult involved.  This can be anyone you trust.  If this adult does not take you or your friend’s problem seriously or does not know how to help, go to someone else.  Keep trying until you find an adult who can help.
• Ask. Sometimes you will have to directly ask the person if they are thinking about killing themselves.  Remember, talking to someone about suicide will not give the person the idea for suicide or cause them to attempt suicide.
• Ask your friend if they have made a plan.  Someone who has made a plan and has acquired the means to carry out their plan is at a higher risk for suicide.  Do not leave the person alone. 
• Get help immediately.