Suicide Resource Center of Larimer County

EMERGENCY CONTACT
1-800-273-TALK
(1-800-273-8255)

WHAT TO DO

Listen

-Allow the person to express feelings.
-Take suicide threats seriously.
-Be non-judgmental.
-Say things such as:
"I'm here for you."
"Let's talk."
"I care about what happens to you."
"It's not unusual to feel this way."
"You're not crazy, it just feels that way."
-Let him or her know depression is treatable.
-Show interest and support.

Ask

-Ask, "Are you having suicidal thoughts?" or "Are you thinking of killing yourself?"
-Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide.
-Don't act shocked. This will put distance between you.
-Don't be sworn to secrecy.
-Say things such as "You are too important to me. I can't keep this a secret."
-Don't worry about being disloyal to the individual.

Take Action - Get professional help for the person

-If the person is in crisis, don't leave him or her alone.
-If possible, remove potential weapons, drugs and alcohol. DO NOT put yourself in danger.
-Tell the person that alternatives are available, but do not offer empty words of reassurance ("You’ll feel better in the morning", etc.)
-Don't leave it up to them to get help by themselves. See that appointments for professional evaluation and treatment are made.
-You can say things such as:
"Let's go talk to someone who can help."
"Go see someone for me; I don't want to worry; I can't leave here until I know you are safe."

You may believe you can do the following, but you can NOT…

-Help this person all by yourself - get support
-Act for the person
-Control how the person feels
-Make the person kill him/herself
-Stop the suicide if the person is determined and has the means