Mental health professionals, such as therapists or counselors, should be notified as soon as possible. If someone is adamant that you don’t call the police, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (in the USA) at 988.
Ask if they have a specific suicide plan. Is this a recent thought or have they formulated a plan? If they have, do not leave them alone under any circumstances.
Never argue with someone or try and convince them not to kill themselves. You just need to listen and validate their distress. Don’t tell someone, “You have so much to live for. " Someone contemplating suicide has already rejected this idea, deciding they don’t have much to live for, and this will only reinforce the thought. [4] X Research source Instead, try asking them, “What has kept you fighting against ending your life so far?” and help them focus on what they value in life.
The person might also benefit from telling their employer and requesting reasonable accommodations while they seek help for depression.
“Have you considered hurting yourself?” “Do you know how you would do it?” “Are you planning on committing suicide?"[5] X Research source
Call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 to talk through this difficult time and find strategies for helping someone. If you’d be more comfortable messaging someone, connect with a trained crisis counselor by texting the Crisis Text line at 741741 in the US. If you’re in Canada, the number is 686868, and in the UK the number is 85258.
Offer to support them through their therapy. Join them at appointments, help them do research, and/or drive them to and from meetings. [6] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Let the person express themselves however they feel comfortable. You don’t need to judge them or curtail their thoughts, just prevent them from hurting themselves. [8] X Research source
For example, they could set aside 30 minutes daily to go bird watching if that’s something they enjoy, or designate the last hour before bedtime as their bath and beauty hour where they draw a luxurious bath and take their time relaxing.
This is another reason you ‘must tell other people that they are considering suicide. A big support system is one of the best ways to prevent a tragedy.
You can reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. They can help you help your friend, and they can help talk someone down who is considering taking their own life. [11] X Research source If you or your friend would be more comfortable texting, send a message to the Crisis Text Line. Their number is 741741 in the US, 686868 in Canada, and 85258 in the UK. For more information, visit https://www. crisistextline. org.
“It would be better if I wasn’t around,” “you’re better off without me. " “Life is hopeless,” “I feel like a waste of space and time. " “I feel trapped,” “I can’t see any way out of this. " Talking about unbearable and/or constant pain. Talking about ways a person could die or kill themselves. Calling to say “goodbye” or set affairs in order, especially “if anything happens to me. “[12] X Research source
Substance abuse, through either drugs or alcohol, is a major indicator of depression or suicidal thoughts. If someone suddenly wants to get drunk every single night you should keep your eye on them.
Substance abuse, through either drugs or alcohol, is a major indicator of depression or suicidal thoughts. If someone suddenly wants to get drunk every single night you should keep your eye on them.
If you are unsure what to do, or if a friend is telling the truth, try and talk to them as much as possible. The more time you spend with them, the easier it will be to determine if you should get help.
Previous suicide attempts. Family history of mental disorder, substance abuse, and/or suicide. Physical or sexual abuse, or exposure to extreme violence. Chronic physical and/or mental illness, including chronic pain. Incarceration. Exposure/closeness to other victims of suicide. [17] X Research source
