How to Recognize the Signs of Suicide

There are signs that someone is seriously thinking about suicide - and actions you can take to try to prevent it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Notice if the person talks about suicide or makes statements that indicate suicidal thoughts. For example: "The world would be better without me," "I wish I were dead," "I just can't go on like this."

2. Ask directly, "Are you thinking about suicide?" or "Are you thinking about killing yourself?" If the answer is yes, ask, "What are you thinking about doing?"

3. Listen closely to how carefully calculated the suicide plan is. The more specific the plan, the more serious the suicidal thoughts.

4. Question the person in a calm, caring manner about how and when he or she would do it and whether there are actual, available means to do it - meaning access to pills, a gun, a rope, etc.

5. Show empathy and understanding rather than sounding panicky, irritated or upset. Allow the person to express thoughts and feelings openly.

6. Take immediate action to protect the person if the plan is carefully calculated. Call 911 or go to the emergency room.

7. Talk to the person about getting counseling if the danger of suicide doesn't seem immediate. Help the person call a doctor and set up an urgent appointment. Offer to accompany the person to the appointment.

Tips & Warnings

• Directly asking someone about suicidal thoughts does not make him or her suicidal or "put the idea in his or her head." Asking about it allows the two of you to talk thoughts and feelings openly, which can be very helpful.
• If you are not with the person when you suspect a suicide attempt, but know the person's location, you can still call 911. They know what to do and will take the person to the hospital if necessary.

[CAKC]

on 10/22/2008 comment to Whoami no disrespect none at all i'm sure your brother didn't mean to hurt his children but sometimes it is sooo hard to look past the darkness u feel like u r drowning in a pool of darkness i know. but i to have a only child a son i ALWAY'S try 2 keep him my main focus but i belive sometimes u break it may not b physical pain but sometimes it almost would b better it it was it's easier 4 others 2 understand. please dont b angry w/ him

[whoami]

on 8/3/2008 My brother committed suicide about 7 years ago. It ended his pain (maybe). but caused so much more pain than he could have ever imagined. His son was 12 his daughter 1yr old. How dare he. How many people did he hurt deeply trying to selfishly end his own pain. If you would please just stop and think how much unbearable pain this causes others who love you...And they DO LOVE YOU...you couldn't do it if you really love them.

[NatalieEngland]

on 7/20/2008 Great article. Sometimes a person does not say anything about suicide though. It's hard to see the clues. Sometimes they will just start giving away things that were once important to him/her and shut down. I guess it's different in every case.

on 9/25/2006 Someone very close to me recently committed suicide. And most people say that they just want attention for saying that they're going to kill themselves. Sometimes that's the case, but most of the time its not. It is not okay for someone to want to die. They need to get help, no one should have to feel that way. Take any suicidal threat very seriously. Most people who are stressed, feel guilty, overwhelmed, worthless, useless or hurt are more likely to think about suicide than giving the future a chance.

Call someone! Don't try to handle it on your own.
It just takes one time to take your life.

on 8/8/2006 Coming from someone who's been there and knows; suicide and self-injury may be a cry for help, but it's a cry that needs to be answered. If you know someone who you think is at risk, try to talk to them. Just be careful not to yell or get mad or anything. Trust me, that's the worst thing you can do. Be there for them.