Friends and Family
- If someone you know is struggling emotionally or is in crisis, you can make a difference by getting them the help and support they may need. Watch for these suicide warning signs:
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
- Looking for a way to kill themselves, like researching online or buying a gun
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious or agitated, or behaving recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or isolating themselves
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Extreme mood swings
Do’s when helping:
- DO talk openly about suicide
- DO be willing to listen
- DO allow expressions of feeling
- DO get involved, be available, and show interest and support
- DO remove means, such as weapons, rope, or pills
Don’ts when helping:
- Do NOT dare him or her to do something harmful
- Do NOT act shocked, judge, or “one-up” (example: “You’re having a bad day? You should hear about my day!”), as this encourages disconnection
- Do NOT be sworn to secrecy; do seek support
- Do NOT offer glib reassurance
Suicide is a scary topic, but help and education are available.