Suicide Prevention: How to Help a Friend

I would make the conversation about the person and how I care about them and be non-judgemental. I would ask them, “Are you thinking about suicide? What made you feel that way?”

I would give them some advice and give some suggestions, and let them know that you only live once, and that I am there for them to give some suggestions if they need it. Let them know that what you are going through will make you stronger, let them know I am there to listen. Make sure to not make a promise if you aren’t going to keep it.

I would ask them, “have you thought about suicide before? Or do you have a plan to hurt yourself?” If they say yes, or they have a plan that is soon, I know what to do, which is make sure they stay safe. Make sure they have somewhere safe to be, and I know they can’t be with them 24/7 and make sure they are somewhere safe, and tell an adult what is happening. 

I would let them know that there are resources and ways to get therapy if they are interested. I would give them the crisis number in case they need someone to talk to.  Or if they want to text, they can Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime. Crisis Text Line is here for any crisis. I would let them know too that the crisis lines are anonymous, and like the Lifeline, 800-273-8255 is also an option to get help. I would give them the resource for the app to download so she has it, like My3App, and let her know that sometimes it may be hard to change her mindset. I would make sure that they are okay and give them a safety plan. After I have done that, I would make sure to follow up with them, if I can it would be every day.