If you have noticed warning signs in your loved one but they have not spoken to you directly about feeling suicidal, the next step is to speak to them.
Here are expert recommendations to guide your conversation.
Some questions to ask to start a conversation may include:
“Do you ever feel so bad that you think about suicide?” or “Do you have a plan to kill yourself or take your life?”
2. Keep Calm and Trust Yourself
The knowledge that a loved one may be at risk of suicide can be overwhelming.
Your response may not be perfect, but your willingness to act on their behalf is already going a long way toward bringing them the support they need during this time.
3. Press Pause on Tough Love
Avoid minimizing their problems or using shame. Trying to shame a suicidal person into changing their mind will only make things worse.
4. Remain Engaged
Once you have talked to your loved one about their suicidal thoughts, it is important not only to take action but to stay engaged and continue the conversation no matter what.
5. Seek Professional Help
If the threat is not immediate, you can start by helping your loved one find a doctor or mental health professional to get them on a path to recovery.
6. Don’t Try to Do it Alone
If your loved one has told you about their plans to take their life, don’t keep secrets, reach out for help, and remove access to dangerous items.
7. Recognize When It’s an Emergency
If at any point you suspect the situation has escalated to become an emergency, don’t hesitate to call 911.
You can also call the 988 Crisis & Suicide Prevention Lifeline for guidance on what to do in your specific situation.
