Stay Calm

Try to remain calm and listen. Your response can influence whether the person feels safe enough to continue talking.

Listen Without Judgment

Avoid criticism, arguments, or statements that minimize their experience. Instead, communicate that you are taking them seriously. You can say:

“I’m glad you told me. I want to help you get through this.”

Don’t Promise to Keep It Secret

If someone’s safety is at risk, keeping suicidal thoughts secret may prevent them from getting the help they need. You may need to involve a trusted family member, healthcare professional, or emergency service.

Encourage Professional Help

Suicidal thoughts require appropriate attention. A qualified mental health professional can assess the person’s situation and recommend suitable treatment and support.

If There Is Immediate Danger

If the person appears to be at immediate risk of harming themselves:

• Do not leave them alone if it is safe for you to stay.
• Seek urgent professional or emergency assistance.
• If possible and safe, help move them away from immediate sources of danger.
• Contact a trusted person who can assist.
• Take them to an emergency department or appropriate emergency service when necessary.

Do not attempt to manage an immediate suicide crisis alone.

After the Immediate Crisis

Support should not end when the immediate danger has passed. Recovery may require ongoing professional care, family support, and regular follow-up.

Continue checking in.

Encourage treatment.

Help the person remain connected with supportive people.

You Can Help Without Having All the Answers

You are not expected to become a therapist. Your role can simply be to listen, take the person seriously, and connect them with people trained to provide appropriate care.

Sometimes, helping someone take the next step is one of the most important things you can do.