How to Help

When someone in your life shows signs of being at risk for suicide, it is important to help. There are things you can do that may make a difference. You can start by calling Headquarters at 785/841-2345 if you are in our area, or calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1/800-273-TALK (8255), or the National Hopeline Network at 1/877/SUICIDE(784-2433); Espanol 1-877-SUICIDA (784-2432) from any part of the U.S.

Help for military families and veterans is available by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and pressing "1".

The basic steps in helping are:

1. Ask directly if the person is considering suicide.
2. Show your concern by listening and talking.
3. Get trained help.

If you are a teen, please do not try to handle this alone. Get an adult in your life to help you get help for your friend.

No matter how old you are, it is important for you to know that suicide is NEVER someone else's fault. The only person who has control over suicide, is the person her/himself.

Do's...

1. Do ask directly if s/he is considering suicide
   
2. Do find out if s/he has already done something
   • If so, don't leave the person alone!
   • Find out if s/he needs medical attention by calling a crisis line, the hospital emergency room, or poison control center
   • If medical help is needed, help the person get medical help
     
3. Do find out if the person has a plan for suicide
   • If so, don't leave the person alone!
   • The more specific and available the means, the more likely an attempt will happen
   • If the person mentions using a gun and has access to one, the gun needs to be removed from the house immediately
     
4. Do listen, empathize, and believe the person - express your concern
   
5. Do help the person come up with a plan to be safe during the crisis time; other people (especially housemates) really need to know how s/he is feeling so they can help
   
6. Do encourage the person to contact someone with training in helping people who are suicidal, such as Headquarters at 785/841-2345, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1/800-273-TALK (8255) or the National Hopeline Network at 1/800/SUICIDE (800-784-2433).

Don't...

1. Don't refuse to talk about the thoughts of suicide
   
2. Don't offer "simple answers" or reassurances
   
3. Don't challenge the person or use scare tactics
   
4. Don't be sworn to secrecy
   
5. Don't involve yourself in giving therapy - instead, help the person find someone trained to talk with
   
6. Don't take on responsibility for the person - If the person attempts or dies by suicide, you are not to blame.
   

For more in-depth information so that you can help someone else Click Here.