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What
to Do When Someone is Suicidal  |
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About
Suicide
(View Additional Pages Below) |
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WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE IS SUICIDAL
NOTE: This website is intended for informational purposes
only.
Adapted from Colorado's Office of Suicide Prevention
and Yellow Ribbon "Be a Link" Training
WHAT TO DO:
1. Stay with the person
· Ask: "Sometimes when people feel sad, they have thoughts
of harming or killing themselves. Have you had such
thoughts?" or "Are you thinking of about killing yourself."
· Ask about the person's thoughts. Contrary to popular
belief, asking about suicide doesn't put ideas into
people's head. Ask about the plan, method and means
- are they lethal? Available?
2. Listen
· Try to remain calm. In most instances there is no
rush. Focus on listening and understanding.
· Encourage problem solving and positive actions. Encourage
them to refrain from making any serious, irreversible
decisions while in a crisis.
· Listen with respect. Suicidal people very often need
understanding and care. Tell them, "I don't want you
to die."
· Take all suicide threats seriously. Listen and express
concern in a nonjudgmental way.
· Show that you care.
3. Get or call help immediately
· Take charge and take action. Don't worry about invading
their privacy - suicide prevention is your business.
Don't leave it up to them to get help. If the crisis
is acute, treat it as an emergency - call one of the
above hotlines, the person's counselor, 911 or take
the person to an emergency room. You would intervene
if someone were having a heart attack - a suicidal impulse
can be just as deadly.
· Get assistance. Avoid trying to be the sole lifeline
for the person. Seek out resources even if it means
breaking a confidence.
What Not To Do
· Do not keep it a secret
· Do not sidestep the issue or treat it lightly.
· Do not leave the person alone.
· Do not offer simple solutions.
· Do not judge or tell the person they will go to Hell.
· Do not offer or suggest drugs or alcohol.
· Do not try to be a therapist. Get professional help. |
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