The Do’s and Don’ts of Suicide Intervention

1.       Avoid talking about suicide or dance around the topic.

Talking about suicide doesn’t upset people more.  In fact, often people who are thinking about killing themselves say it is a relief to talk about it and it helps them to let go of this idea, not pursue it further.

2.       Be judgmental or argumentative.

Now is not the time to debate the morality of suicide you will lose the debate and possibly the person.

3.       Assume that the person is not serious.

Saying “You’re not serious” or “You don’t mean that” may inadvertently encourage the person to show you how serious she or he truly is.

4.       Argue.

Telling a suicidal person that things aren’t that bad, or that other people have it worse, can make them feel worse about themselves and guilty their feelings of unhappiness.

5.       Promise not to tell anyone.

If you keep this promise and something happens to this person, how will you feel?

Do. . .

1.       Remain calm.

Talk about the person’s feelings of sadness and helplessness.

2.       Offer support and assistance.

tell the person he or she is not alone.

3.       Encourage problem solving and taking positive steps.

4.       Emphasize the temporary nature of the problem.

suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

5.       Seek help and don’t try to handle this problem on your own.

This might involve the person’s family, religious advisor, friends, or teachers, or calling a mental health agency for consultation.

6.       Make a no-suicide contract.

Ask the person to promise not to hurt or kill him/herself.

If possible, stay with the person until you can get further assistance.