HOW TO HELP SOMEONE
WHO IS SUICIDAL
LOOK FOR COMMON WARNING SIGNS
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Talking about suicide — for example, making statements such as "i'm going to kill myself," "i wish i were dead" or "i wish i hadn't been born"
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Getting the means to take your own life, such as buying a gun or stockpiling pills
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Withdrawing from social contact and wanting to be left alone
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Having mood swings, such as being emotionally high one day and deeply discouraged the next
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Being preoccupied with death, dying or violence
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Feeling trapped or hopeless about a situation
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Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
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Changing normal routine, including eating or sleeping patterns
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Doing risky or self-destructive things
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Giving away belongings or getting affairs in order when there is no other logical explanation for doing this
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Saying goodbye to people as if they won't be seen again
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Developing personality changes or being severely anxious or agitated, particularly when experiencing some of the warning signs listed above
ASK QUESTIONS
(be sensitive, but direct)
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How are you coping with what's been happening in your life?
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Do you ever feel like just giving up?
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Are you thinking about dying?
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Are you thinking about hurting yourself?
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Are you thinking about suicide?
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Have you ever thought about suicide before, or tried to harm yourself before?
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Have you thought about how or when you'd do it?
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Do you have access to weapons or things that can be used as weapons to harm yourself?
OFFER SUPPORT
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Encourage them to call a suicide hotline number
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Encourage the person to seek treatment
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Offer to help the person take steps to get assistance and support
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Encourage the person to communicate with you
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Be respectful and acknowledge the person's feelings
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Do not be patronizing or judgmental
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Never promise to keep someone's suicidal feelings a secret
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Encourage the person to avoid alcohol and drug use
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Remove potentially dangerous items from the person's home
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Take all signs of suicidal behaviour seriously