How to Help a Person who is Suicidal

All threats of suicide should be taken very seriously. It's no secret that someone threatening suicide should be given proper mental health care and monitored to ensure her safety. However, if you are not a psychiatrist, you may have no idea how to help someone who is suicidal. Learn some tips to help someone who is suicidal and possibly save a valuable life in the process.

Instructions

• 1

  Educate yourself on the warning signs of suicide and assess these in the person who you believe might be suicidal. Know that sudden mood elevation after being depressed, making final arrangements, talk of suicide and the giving away of important possessions are all possible warning signs of impending suicide attempts.

• 2

  Be very kind and compassionate with the person. Communicate that there are still people on the planet who love and need him. Listen to whatever he has to say and don't try to negate his experience. Telling him, "it's not so bad" will generally not have much of an effect.

• 3

  Try to find out if the person has a definitive means of carrying out the suicide. If you are in her home, look for weapons, pill bottles or other means that can be used to kill oneself. Ask if her if she plans to carry it out and take any threat seriously.

• 4

  Keep the person talking about the problem or emotional state he is in; this conversation often helps to diffuse any intention and tires her out until she goes to sleep. Find out the name and number of a psychiatrist (either the person's or an on-call doctor) who can give you further advice.

• 5

  Encourage him to contact professional help or perhaps visit a crisis center to help him to make it through their tough period. Offer to drive the person to the Emergency Room or crisis center location. Call 911 if you are not in his presence and state you believe the person has intent to harm himself.