How to Help Someone Who Is Threatening Suicide

• Be direct. Talk openly and matter of factly about suicide.
• Be willing to listen. Allow expressions of feelings. Accept the feelings.
• Be non-judgmental. Don't debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or feelings are good or bad. Don't lecture on the value of life.
• Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.
• Don't dare him or her to do it.
• Don't act shocked. This will put distance between you.
• Don't be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.
• Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance.
• Take action. Remove means, such as guns or stockpiled pills.
• Get help from persons or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.

RESOURCES

• National Hotline for Children and Parents: 1-800-448-3000 (Sponsored by Boys Town; bilingual crisis intervention hotline)
• Suicide Awareness\Voices of Education (SAVE): www.save.org 1-612-946-7998
• American Association of Suicidology: www.suicidology.org
• Light for Life Foundation of America: www.yellowribbon.org 1-302-429-3530
• Suicide Prevention Advocacy Network: www.spanusa.org 1-888-649-1366
• Suicide Information and Education Centre: www.siec.ca (no number; it is located in Canada)