How to Help Someone who is Suicidal

On average, 30,000 people a year commit suicide in the United States, and another 130,000 are hospitalized annually after failed attempts. Suicide is not gender, age or race specific. Anyone can develop suicidal thoughts, resulting from depression, a traumatic event or loss. If you are on the telephone or with someone who is expressing suicidal thoughts, it's imperative to take this person seriously.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Stay calm if someone tells you he is thinking about killing himself. Don't get upset or angry or act shocked. Listen carefully to what he is saying and be sympathetic. Act concerned without offering too much advice.

2. Find help as soon as possible. If a person tells you she's been having suicidal thoughts, urge her to seek help from a mental health professional.

3. Call 911 immediately if you believe the suicide attempt is imminent. Even if the person objects, call for help.

4. Get as much information as possible to gauge the severity of his thoughts. Ask such questions as, "Have you considered how you would kill yourself?" "Do you have what you need to do it?" "Do you know when you'd do it?"

5. Do a thorough search of the person's home to remove any possible items he may use to harm himself, including any weapons or medications.

6. Attempt to remove any children from the situation. Calmly suggest taking them to a relative's or friend's house, keeping in mind the children's safety from any possible trauma.

7. Make sure the person has received help and is not in danger of harming herself before leaving her alone or getting off the telephone.

Tips & Warnings

• More than 75 percent of all people who commit suicide show signs or talk of being depressed or in a state of hopelessness in the weeks or months before their act of suicide. Take these early signs seriously.
• In addition to calling 911, several 24-hour hotlines can help people who are suicidal. Call (800) SUICIDE or (800) 273-TALK.
• Don't assume that someone talking about suicide is merely looking for attention or trying to manipulate you. This is a frequent misperception, which can lead to disastrous results.
• If someone tells you he is suicidal, don't discount his feelings by negating them or by saying such things as, "It will pass," or "Get over it." This approach likely will worsen an already volatile situation.
• Don't handle someone's suicidal threats by yourself. Always seek help from a mental health professional.
• Don't leave anyone alone who says they will kill themselves without first ensuring their safety.

Resources

• For suicide prevention, awarness and support visit Suicide.org.
• Go to Mental Health Today to seek additional information.

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