When you suspect that a friend or a family member may be suicidal, you may become nervous and anxious. This is a normal feeling. It may help if you remember the following:

Do not allow yourself to be sworn to secrecy by the suicidal person. You may lose a friendship, but you may save a life.

Believe or trust your suspicions that the person may be self-destructive.

Do not leave the person alone if you believe the risk for suicide is immediate.

Communicate your concern for the well-being of the person. Be an active listener and show your support. Listen. Be direct. Talk openly and freely and ask direct questions about the person’s intentions. Try to determine if the person has a plan for suicide (how, where, when). The more detailed the plan, the greater the risk.

Do not act shocked at what the person tells you.

Be direct. Talk openly and freely and ask direct questions about the person’s intentions. Try to determine if the person has a plan for suicide (how, where, when). The more detailed the plan, the greater the risk.

Do not counsel the person yourself.

Get professional help. Encourage the person to seek help from a school counselor, minister, or someone who can help solve the problems. If the person resists, You may have to get the necessary help for them.

Do not debate whether suicides is right or wrong. This may make the person feel more guilty.

Do not give false assurance.