Suicide prevention requires strategies that work at the individual, system and community level. These include gatekeeper training, screening and teaching warning signs.
Helping the person develop a safety plan for times of crisis and removing access to lethal means can also be important. Family support is essential. Help them to understand their child’s situation and react in a helpful way.
1. Recognize the Signs
Suicide is not a normal response to stress. It is a very serious risk and it is important to talk about it, even when someone says they’re thinking of killing themselves. It does not increase the chances that they will act on those thoughts, but it’s a sign that they need help.
People who are considering suicide often show many warning signs, especially if they have recently experienced a painful loss or change in their life. These might include:
They may withdraw from friends and family, become more agitated or angry, behave recklessly or make sudden changes to their appearance. They might talk about suicide or death and may leave a note or try to get weapons. They might exhibit mood changes and say they feel like a burden or that they’re trapped in an unbearable situation with no way out. They might also have a history of mental illness and/or substance use. Learn more about warning signs and how to recognize them in yourself or others.
2. Talk to Someone
If you have noticed warning signs that someone may be considering suicide, it’s important to talk to them. It’s also important to be present, whether in person or on the phone, as being there for them can help.
When talking to them, be empathetic and listen attentively. Avoid telling them to cheer up or saying things like, “You shouldn’t feel this way,” which can come across as judging and minimising their feelings. Instead, try to focus on their concerns and how they’re feeling, paraphrasing what they say and reiterating it back to them so you know you understand.
If they are planning a suicide, ask them directly if they’re thinking of killing themselves and be sure to find out how they would do it. Research shows that being aware of a suicide plan and reducing access to lethal means can lower a person’s risk for acting on these thoughts. It’s also important to follow up on your conversations, and this can be done by contacting them in an ongoing way or connecting them with a mental health professional.
3. Get Help
Suicidal thoughts and suicide actions are two different things, so the first step is to talk to someone about what’s going on. You can find mental health organizations or crisis phone lines in your area that offer services on a sliding fee scale. You can also try an Internet search under “mental health” or “suicide prevention.”
If someone you know is at risk, you can help by encouraging them to get help and showing you care by being available. Many people in a suicide crisis give definite warning signs, such as changing behavior or withdrawing from social or virtual spaces (because of the pandemic, most mental health providers are now doing appointments virtually).
Research has shown that creating what’s called a Safety Plan can significantly reduce someone’s risk during a crisis. This usually involves an at-risk person and their mental health provider working together, but can be done with family members or friends. It includes identifying the person’s triggers and warning signs, the people they can reach out to for help, and actions they can take to manage their feelings of hopelessness or suicide.
4. Stay Safe
It is important for people who are struggling with suicide to know that help is available. But it is also vital that those who may be at risk for suicide, such as school staff, military commanders or primary care providers are aware of the warning signs so they can take action and refer someone for treatment.
It is also important to educate communities about the connections between different types of violence, and provide resources that highlight shared risk and protective factors. A key tool is our Connecting the Dots page.
If a person is suicidal, it’s important to remove any lethal means of self-harm from their home (including guns), and keep medications locked away including Tylenol (acetaminophen). Then focus on getting them to safety by providing distractions or other activities until the urge passes.