Do's and Don'ts

If a person is threatening suicide:

Do's:

• Take it seriously!

• Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide

• Listen. Allow expressions of feelings and accept those feelings.

• Be non-judgmental. Don't debate whether suicide is right or wrong or if the person's feelings are good or bad. Don't lecture on the value of life.

• Get involved! Be available and show interest and support

• Offer hope that alternatives are available

• Take action! Remove items such as guns or stockpiled pills.

• Get help from people or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention

• In a severe crisis, get the person to an Emergency Room or Walk-In Clinic at a psychiatric hospital

• Follow up on the person's treatment

Don'ts:

• Don't minimize the situation or depth of feeling (e.g.: "Things will be better tomorrow.")

• Don't be afraid to ask the person if they are so depressed or sad that they want to hurt themselves. Instead, DO say, "You seem so upset that I'm wondering if you're considering suicide."

• Don't ignore your limitations

• Don't feel obligated to find simple solutions

• Don't dare the person to do it

• Don't act shocked. This will put distance between you and the suicidal person.

• Don't be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.