How To Tell Someone You're Suicidal
Find time to talk to a trusted adult friend or family member, or a person in a position of authorityfor example, a mental health professional, priest, or teacher. Tell them directly that you're suicidal, and look into therapy or counseling as a route to decrease suicidal thoughts. Telling someone youre having thoughts of suicide is brave, and sharing your feelings is the first step toward getting help and feeling less alone.
Choose someone you trust who listens well and shows compassion, and reach out in a way that feels comfortable such as sending a text to set up a time to talk. Key Takeaways Ask directly if someone is having suicidal thoughts, as this does not increase their risk of suicide. If someone is in immediate danger of suicide, call 911 or local emergency services right away.
Encourage the person to reach out to a suicide hotline or seek professional help. Talking to someone suicidal requires recognizing warning signs, asking direct questions like "Are you thinking about suicide?", and providing compassionate listening while connecting them to professional crisis support and ongoing therapeutic care when needed. This guide offers compassionate, practical advice on what to say when messaging with someone who may be suicidal.
Learn how to talk about suicide, recognize warning signs, and offer real support. Use our checklist and safety plan to help someone in crisis today. There are 10 tips that you will want to consider following to talk a loved one struggling with thoughts of suicide.
Perhaps the most important element to bear in mind when talking to a person laboring under suicidal ideations is to be yourself. First, think about your answers to the following questions. It will help you process your thoughts and feelings: How long have these thoughts been happening? How frequently do these thoughts occur? What triggers or warning signs have you been experiencing? Do you have a plan, or have you decided on how you want to die?
Dont let your friends or family go through it alone. When in doubt, reach out. Ask the difficult questions.
Follow-up and follow-through. If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) or text NAMI to 741-741. They are missing what you are wanting to say, so here are some pointers and directions on how you can tell someone so its clear, so you can get the help you deserve and those who love you get to keep you in their life.
