how do I know if someone is thinking of suicide?
Pay attention to changes: Notice if your friend starts acting differently, like withdrawing from activities, being moody, or losing interest in things they used to enjoy.
If you see any of these signs in your friend, don't keep it to yourself. Crisis centres are available to support you if you think someone is at risk of suicide. Call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or another local number if you are unsure of what to do.
Talk to a trusted adult, like a parent, teacher, or counsellor, about your concerns. They can provide guidance and support for both you and your friend. Remember, you're not alone, and there are people who want to help.
- Listen to their words: Take their statements seriously if they talk about feeling hopeless, worthless, or wanting to escape their problems. Phrases like "I can't take it anymore" or "I wish I wasn't here" are signs to watch out for.
- Check for social isolation: If your friend starts avoiding their friends or family and spending more time alone, it could be a sign that they're struggling.
- Watch for unusual habits: Look for sudden changes in their appearance, eating, or sleeping patterns. Extreme weight loss or gain, neglecting personal care, or disrupted routines may indicate that they're going through a tough time.
- Take notice of alarming behaviour: If your friend talks about giving away their belongings or frequently mentions death or suicide, it's important to ask for help.
If you see any of these signs in your friend, don't keep it to yourself. Crisis centres are available to support you if you think someone is at risk of suicide. Call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or another local number if you are unsure of what to do.
Talk to a trusted adult, like a parent, teacher, or counsellor, about your concerns. They can provide guidance and support for both you and your friend. Remember, you're not alone, and there are people who want to help.
how do you help someone who is thinking about suicide?
Start talking and listening. Ask about their feelings and be attentive.
Crisis centres are available to support you if you think someone is at risk of suicide. Call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or another local number if you are in doubt of what to do.
- Ask direct questions like "Are you thinking about suicide?" Take their answers seriously.
- Be a supportive listener. Accept their feelings without judgment or minimizing.
- Offer help and let them know you care. Encourage them to seek professional help.
- Provide resources and suggest people they can talk to, such as family, friends, professionals, or the crisis centre.
- If they refuse help, reach out to someone you trust.
- Call a crisis centre for support and information.
- Be firm and focused. Never keep a suicide plan secret, dare them, or leave a high-risk person alone without making sure that they have help. Call 911 or 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433).
- If possible, continue to reach out your friend.
Crisis centres are available to support you if you think someone is at risk of suicide. Call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or another local number if you are in doubt of what to do.
how do you help someone who is going through a mental health crisis?
When someone goes through a mental health crisis, they may feel confused, lonely, and hopeless. If you notice a friend or loved one struggling, showing that you care and offering support can make a big difference. Simply being there for them and encouraging them to reach out to a trusted adult or support line can be very helpful.
Here are four main steps you can take to support others:
1. Say What You See/Show you care:
Here are four main steps you can take to support others:
1. Say What You See/Show you care:
- How to start the conversation: "I've noticed you've been acting odd..."
- Show you care: Let them know this is important to you.
- Embrace awkwardness: Uncomfortable conversations are better than staying silent. Don't take it personally if they don't want to talk.
- Stay calm and validate their feelings.
- Be genuinely curious about their experiences and feelings.
- Avoid fixing, preaching, downplaying, or cheerleading.
- Focus on being there for them and offering your support.
- Identify trusted adults in your network.
- Share helpful community resources (Link to Resources list).
- Contact a crisis line or emergency services for immediate help.
- Recognize you can't be their only support, and it's okay to seek professional help.
- Set clear boundaries with kindness and concern.
- Communicate your limits and prioritize your mental health.
- Remember to practice self-care!