What do I do?
An excerpt from Mayo:
If someone talks about suicide plans or behaves in a way that suggests the person is thinking of suicide, do not play it down or ignore the situation. Many people who kill themselves have expressed the intention at some point. You may worry that you're overreacting, but the safety of your friend or loved one is most important. Do not worry about straining your relationship when someone's life is at stake.
You're not responsible for preventing a suicide. But you can take action to help the person see that other options are available to stay safe and get treatment.
What if someone I know is considering suicide?
Always take suicidality serious.
DO NOT leave the person alone.
Assist the individual in seeking immediate help from 211, 988, La Crosse County Crisis, a personal physician, the nearest hospital emergency room, or 911.
Remove any access the person may have to firearms or other potential tools for suicide, including medications.
Even if you don’t know for sure if they are considering suicide, assess for warning signs (see our Warning Signs page), communicate your care, and provide a safe space for honest conversation.
NEVER promise to keep their feelings about suicide a secret. Be honest upfront that you want to be understanding and helpful but must seek assistance if you feel they are a danger to themselves.
How do I have these tough conversations?
Always take suicidality serious.
Be sensitive and respectful but direct. Giving them a chance to talk openly may reduce stigma and risk. Ask questions such as:
How are you coping with what's been happening in your life?
Do you ever feel like just giving up?
Are you thinking about dying?
Are you thinking about hurting yourself?
Are you thinking about suicide?
Have you ever thought about suicide before or tried to harm yourself before?
Have you thought about how or when you'd do it?
Do you have access to weapons or things that can be used as weapons to harm yourself?It’s not your job to diagnose and treat the individual, but if they are struggling to access or follow through in seeking help, be an advocate. Help them research, make phone calls, get transportation set up and show up.
Respect and reflect the person’s feelings. Do not dismiss them.
Inquire about their reasons for living — family, friends, pets, etc.
Remind them that suicide is an irreversible decision, and that things CAN get better
What if I’m not feeling like myself?
Talk to a trusted loved one
Be honest with yourself
Engage in self-care activities (even if you don’t feel like it, sometimes a state change/change of environment can be helpful)
If your symptoms do not improve, seek professional help
** Visit our Get Help page for more information and resources on accessing support