Offer support

If a friend or loved one is thinking about suicide, professional help is needed — even if suicide is not a danger right away. Here's what you can do:

• Urge the person to contact a suicide hotline. In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or use the Lifeline Chat. Veterans or service members can call 988 and then press "1," or text 838355, or chat online. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has a Spanish-language phone line at 1-888-628-9454 (toll-free).
• Urge the person to seek treatment. Someone who is thinking about suicide or is very depressed may not have the energy or motivation to find help. If the person doesn't want to see a doctor or mental health professional, you can suggest other sources for help. Support groups, crisis centers, and faith communities are good options. A teacher or another trusted person also can help. You can offer support and advice too — but remember that it's not your job to take the place of a mental health professional.
• Offer to assist the person take steps to get help and support. You can research treatment options. Offer to make phone calls and review insurance benefit information. You also can offer to go with the person to an appointment.
• Urge the person to talk to you. Someone who is thinking about suicide may feel ashamed, guilty or embarrassed. Be supportive and understanding. Give your opinions without placing blame. Listen closely and do not interrupt.
• Be respectful and note the person's feelings. Do not try to change the person's feelings or express shock. Remember, even though someone with thoughts about suicide is not thinking clearly, the emotions are real. Not respecting how the person feels can cause the person to stop talking.
• Do not talk down to or be critical of the person. For example, do not tell someone, "Things could be worse" or "You have everything to live for." Instead, ask questions such as, "What's causing you to feel so bad?" "What would make you feel better?" or "How can I help?"
• Never promise to keep someone's feelings about suicide a secret. Be understanding but explain that you may not be able to keep such a promise. If you think the person's life is in danger, you must get help.
• Point out that things can get better. When someone has thoughts about suicide, it seems as if nothing will make things better. Reassure the person that treatment includes learning other ways to cope, which can make life feel better again.
• Urge the person to stay away from alcohol and drug use. Using drugs or alcohol may seem to ease painful feelings, but it makes things worse. It can lead to unsafe behaviors or feeling more depressed. If the person needs help quitting, offer to help find treatment.
• Remove dangerous items from the person's home, if possible. If you can, make sure the person does not have items around that could be used for suicide. Look for and remove items such as knives, razors, guns or drugs. If the person takes a medicine that could be used for overdose, urge the person to have someone keep it and give it as prescribed.