If you're worried that someone might be thinking about suicide, don't be afraid to ask them directly.
If someone has thoughts or feelings about suicide, it's important to take them seriously. It can be hard to tell someone you care about that you are feeling suicidal. If someone tells you they are thinking about suicide, thank them for telling you, and invite them to keep talking with you. Let them know there is help available. Encourage them to get help and talk to someone about what they are going through.
If you think someone may be suicidal, ask them. It could save their life.
- Asking about suicide will not put the thought in their head.
- Ask them directly about their thoughts of suicide and what they are planning. If they have a specific plan, they need help right away. Call 111, contact the crisis helplines or your GP.
- Remove any obvious means of suicide they might use (e.g rope, pills, guns, car keys, knives).
- Ask them if they would like to talk about what’s going on for them with you or someone else. They might not want to open up straight away, but letting them know you are there for them is a big help.
- Listen and don’t judge. Take them seriously and let them know you care.
- Support them to access professional help, like a doctor or counsellor, as soon as possible. Offer to help them make an appointment and go with them if you can.
- Help them to find and access the support they need from people they trust: friends, whānau, kaumātua, religious, community or cultural leaders, or health professionals.
- Don't leave them alone – make sure someone stays with them until they get help. If they don't get the help they need the first time, keep trying.
- Ask them if they would like your help explaining what they need to a professional.
