How to Help Someone with Suicidal Thoughts
Contact a crisis support line now—if you or someone you know is at immediate risk, call 988 to speak with someone who can help.
Immediate Crisis Support for Suicidal Individuals
When someone you care about is experiencing suicidal thoughts, it can feel overwhelming. However, there are critical steps you can take to help them through this difficult time. Immediate intervention and ongoing support are vital in making sure they get the help they need.
Immediate Help for a Suicidal Person
If someone is in immediate danger, it’s important to connect them with crisis support as quickly as possible. These resources can provide the necessary intervention to keep them safe.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741-741 for confidential 24/7 support.
- Emergency Services: Call 988 if someone is at immediate risk.
What to Do If a Friend is Suicidal
Supporting someone with suicidal thoughts is challenging, but your empathy and action can make a huge difference. Here are some key actions you can take:
- Listen and Take Their Words Seriously
Never minimize their feelings. If a friend is talking about suicide, take it seriously. Suicidal thoughts are not typically just a cry for attention—they are real, and they need to be addressed with care and concern. - Ask Direct Questions
To understand the severity of their thoughts, ask direct questions like: “Are you having thoughts of ending your life?” or “Do you have a plan or means to carry it out?” - Encourage Open Dialogue
Let them share their feelings in a non-judgmental way. This open communication can provide relief and make them feel less isolated in their struggles. - Offer Ongoing Support
A conversation doesn’t solve everything. Continue checking in with them to offer reassurance and keep them connected to help. - Seek Emergency Help When Necessary
If they are at immediate risk, don’t hesitate to call 988, a crisis hotline, or take them to a hospital. It’s crucial to act quickly to get them the help they need.
Suicide Prevention and Intervention Training
LivingWorks Start
LivingWorks SafeTALK
LivingWorks SafeTALK
A 1-hour online course to learn the basics of suicide prevention and how to help someone in crisis.
LivingWorks SafeTALK
LivingWorks SafeTALK
LivingWorks SafeTALK
A four-hour course that teaches you to spot the signs of suicide and connect individuals with help.
LivingWorks ASIST
LivingWorks SafeTALK
LivingWorks ASIST
A comprehensive two-day training program designed for those who want to provide skilled intervention to someone in crisis.
Resources For Helping Someone Struggling With Suicidal Thoughts
If you want to be better equipped to support others, consider taking suicide prevention and intervention training. Programs like LivingWorks Start teach individuals how to recognize when someone is thinking about suicide and how to connect them to help.
These courses can help build a safer, more supportive environment and prepare you to make a positive impact on those at risk.
Here’s a breakdown of key resources to help you help others:
If you’re seeking guidance on how to support someone experiencing suicidal thoughts, there are numerous resources available to equip you with the necessary tools and knowledge.
1. SPA-Suicide Prevention App - This app offers tools and strategies to help you support others who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts. It’s a valuable resource for learning how to recognize signs and intervene effectively.
2. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) - Provides resources, information, and support for those affected by suicide. They offer education, outreach programs, and help to those navigating loss or crisis.
3. Alliance of Hope - Dedicated to providing support for those who have lost a loved one to suicide. This platform helps survivors of suicide loss connect with others who understand their grief.
4. Dan Hurd's Story - Listen to the real-life story of Dan Hurd, founder of the One Pedal at a Time (OPAAT) Movement, who shares his journey of overcoming struggles and spreading awareness about mental health, one pedal at a time. For more information, join Lt. Dan’s journey at RideWithDanUSA.com.
5. Mood Crew Tools (DBSA) - A fun and engaging educational program designed for children aged 4-10, helping them understand and express their feelings. This program opens positive conversations about emotions and mental health early on.
6. Suicide Safe - SAMHSA Training Tool - A training tool for healthcare providers to better understand suicide prevention and how to provide 8ppropriate interventions for individuals at risk.
7. 988 Lifeline - Provides immediate assistance to those who are worried about someone else in crisis. Learn how to connect them with resources to keep them safe and supported.
8. Veterans Crisis Line - A resource dedicated to offering crisis support to veterans and their families, providing specialized guidance and assistance for those experiencing mental health challenges.
9. NIMH - Suicide Prevention (Spanish) - Spanish-language resource from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) focused on suicide prevention.
10. NIMH - Suicide Prevention Screening Tool: If You Know Someone in Crisis - Provides valuable insights on how to help someone who is struggling with suicidal thoughts with a screening test to guide your facilitation for support. Offers practical guidance on how to intervene and support loved ones in crisis.
11. LivingWorks Start - An online training program designed to teach individuals how to identify and respond to signs of suicide. It provides essential skills to help connect someone at risk to the support they need.
If you are supporting children, this program can help start conversations about emotions in a fun and engaging way to help kids understand and express their feelings.
These resources can empower you to act effectively when you notice signs of suicidal ideation in someone you care about. By being prepared and informed, you can make a significant impact in supporting those who need help and save lives in the process.
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