If it is safe, you may also drive your friend to the emergency room.
Doctors will assess their mental and physical health and create a clear plan that will help keep them safe.
Here are some helpful tips from varioussuicide preventionresources.
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Don’t be afraid to ask, “Are you having thoughts of suicide?”
On the contrary, asking will give you valuable information about how to proceed and help.
In addition, the more often we talk, the better off we are," Glenn says.
You may feel like you will lose their friendship if you take action.
Your friend may even tell you that you are betraying them or making them angry.
Just remember that you may permanently lose their friendship if you don’t.
When they’re well again, they will thank you.
The key is to avoid being judgmental or dismissive of what your friend is feeling.
Just be yourself, Glenn says.
Be authentically and genuinely caring.
The conversation is less about the words and content and more about your sincerity.
Be sympathetic, non-judgmental, patient, calm, and accepting.
The person will pick up on your attitude and begin to mirror it for themselves.
As their momentum winds down, it’s harder for them to act on their feelings.
“When in doubt (in life), be yourself.
You have an incredible superpower to be a beacon of connection just by being you,” she says.
How big they perceive the problem to be and how much they are hurting over it is what counts.
Rational arguments do little good to persuade a person when they are in this state of mind.
Take Care of Yourself
Dealing with a suicide threat is very stressful.
Be sure to care for yourself as well and seek assistance to process and decompress afterward.
Keep Checking In
Glenn notes that talking about suicidality isn’t just a one-time conversation.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Suicide data and statistics.
2012;42(3):341-51. doi:10.1111/j.1943-278X.2012.0095.x
National Institute of Mental Health.Suicide prevention.
