What to Do If a Person Is Suicidal or Dangerous?

Individuals who find themselves faced with a dangerous or suicidal person, whether a stranger or a close friend, often wonder how to properly handle the situation. Each person and situation is different, so no universal process for handling such a situation exists, but mental health professionals recommend a few general actions to protect the suicidal or dangerous person and those around him.

Take The Threat Seriously

• Almost everyone has made seemingly dangerous or self-destructive comments at one time or another, whether in jest or as the result of a serious predicament. Common statements like, "I was so mad I could kill," or "Just shoot me now," may desensitize some to the severity of such ideas, but mental health professional Patty Fleener, who holds a master's degree in social work, warns against complacency in such situations. A number of lives have been lost after friends or bystanders wrote off such remarks as manipulation or attempts at garnering attention, and mental health experts like Fleener now recommend taking each and every such comment as a serious concern. If the person makes specific threats (like a threat to overdose on pills), or has access to firearms, such comments become an immediate priority and should spur prompt action.

Provide Companionship

• Many individuals faced with a suicidal or dangerous person can be tempted to simply walk away from the situation, removing themselves from the burden of helping the troubled individual. Helpguide.org, a mental health assistance website, though, points out that individuals in this situation have a unique opportunity to diffuse the issue and prevent escalation into a more serious event.

  According to advice on the site, simply listening to the person's problems and expressing empathy can significantly help the person, and offering hope can reassure the person that he should not carry out his intentions. In listening, though, individuals should use care not to take responsibility for helping the person get well or improve their situation, and should avoid judgment of any kind. Individuals who give audience to suicidal or dangerous persons should not promise confidentiality, as suicidal and dangerous persons must be encouraged to seek professional help. Truly dangerous persons who pose an immediate threat to the well being of those around them may create a situation in which it is unsafe to offer companionship; in such cases, concerned individuals should immediately call for assistance.

Get Professional Help

• According to all references consulted for this article, suicidal and dangerous persons should receive professional evaluation and, if possible, professional mental health counseling as quickly as possible. If possible, encourage the person to seek help on his own and, if safe to do so, offer to call a local hospital or provide transportation to a nearby facility. If the person refuses, most states allow police officers and sheriff's deputies to transport a suicidal or dangerous person to a qualified mental health facility against his will.

  If the person still appears dangerous or suicidal after a calming discussion, or if the person refuses voluntary assistance, call 9-1-1 as soon as possible and explain the situation to the emergency operator. Trained officers will assist the person and provide restraint, if necessary, during transportation to a nearby facility. According to mental health professional Patty Fleener, the need for professional assistance trumps any promises of confidentiality, promises not to call for help, or feelings of embarrassment over issues of mental health.