Suicide Prevention - How to Help

If someone you know is thinking about suicide, it is important to take it seriously, even if your friend tries to brush it off. Suicidal thoughts are not typical and usually reflect a larger underlying problem. An angry friend is better than a dead friend, so it is okay to speak up and get help.

Ask, listen, and tell someone, and if the threat seems immediate, stay with the person until help is available. Bring your friend to a trusted adult, and if that person does not know what to do or does not take it seriously, find another adult who will help. Being a good listener is important, but suicidal thoughts often relate to deeper issues such as depression, substance problems, abuse, or difficulties with problem solving, so professional help is necessary.

About thirty percent of people who attempt suicide tell someone beforehand, though many do not speak up afterward. When someone chooses to talk to you, that moment is an opportunity for intervention, and it is important to remember that with each suicide attempt, the risk of suicide increases.

Warning Signs: 

• Change in mood, such as increased sadness, anxiety, or irritability

• Change in behavior, including isolation or withdrawal from others

• Changes in sleep patterns

• Changes in appetite

• Increased aggression or impulsiveness

• Agitation or restlessness

• Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

• Saying things like “No one will miss me” or “You’ll be better off,” indicating feelings of being a burden

• Feelings of shame, humiliation, or desperation, such as after a break-up or poor test result

• Collecting means that could be used for self-harm

• Talking about wanting to kill themselves

• Drop in grades or loss of academic interest

• Increased risk-taking behavior

• Giving away prized possessions

Find help fast.

In an emergency, call 911. You can also call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to speak with a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area at any time through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

If you are outside of the United States, visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention for a database of international resources. Other places to seek help include a psychiatric hospital walk-in clinic, a hospital emergency room, or an urgent care center or clinic. Desert View’s crisis line is 505-947-4471.