Show you care, connect on a feeling level, listen.

• “I’m concerned about you and noticed you haven’t been sleeping, eating, going to class, etc.”
• “How are you feeling?”
• Reflect back their feelings and paraphrase:  “What I hear you say is that you are in a great deal of pain and feel hopeless.”
• “I’m glad you called.”
• Listen with respect.  Individuals in distress want understanding and care.

Ask about suicide directly

• “Sometimes when people feel sad, they have thoughts of killing themselves.  Have you had such thoughts?”
• “Are you thinking of killing yourself?”
• “Have you considered suicide?”  “How would you go about it?”  “When would you do that?”
• Remember, asking about suicide does NOT put the idea in people’s minds.

Get help.  Explore options.  Offer resources.

• “What would help now?”   “Who can, who usually helps?”   “How can I help?”
• Get assistance.  Avoid trying to be the only lifeline for this person.  Seek out resources even if it means breaking a confidence.
• “How would you feel about going to the Counseling Center?  Let’s call right now.  I’ll walk over with you to see a counselor.” 
• Counseling and Human Development Center, 777-5223, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Byrnes Building, 7th floor.  After hours, listen to the voice message for emergency numbers.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK
• Call 911 or 7-9111 if this is an acute crisis.

What Not To Do

• Do not promise to keep the person’s thoughts of suicide a secret.
• Do not leave the person alone.
• Do not offer simple solutions.
• Do not judge or tell the person they will go to hell.
• Do not suggest drugs or alcohol as a solution.