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How to Report a Suicidal Friend

Suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in the United States for 2006. High-risk populations include teenagers, substance abusers, people who are mentally ill, and those with little education, social, and/or financial resources. If present when a friend makes a suicidal threat and has the means to do so, call 9-1-1 immediately and wait until help arrives. If the friend is not in imminent danger, take the following steps to ensure he receives the professional help he needs.

Things You'll Need

  • Cell phone
  • Phone number of suicide hotline
  • Phone number of family member/significant other
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Instructions

  1. How to Report a Suicidal Friend

    • 1

      Engage the friend with empathy, and ask subtle questions to determine whether she is experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings, or whether she has a plan in place and the means to commit the suicidal act. If she does, call 9-1-1 immediately.

    • 2

      If the friend is not in immediate danger, suggest he calls a suicide crisis line or prevention center (1-800-SUICIDE/1-800-784-2433 or 1-800-273-TALK/1-800-273-8255 are both available 24/7 in the United States) to speak with a professional about his feelings. Provide the friend the hotline number if necessary. If he does not want to call a crisis number, suggest a phone call to a clergy member, therapist, or licensed mental health professional.

    • 3

      Inquire if the friend has alerted a family member or significant other about her feelings. Suggest that she does. If there is the possibility that the friend may not follow through, take the initiative. Do not worry about disloyalty; the focus is on saving the person's life, not the friendship.

    • 4

      Follow up later in the day and the following day to determine how the friend is doing. Make sure that he has contacted someone for assistance with the problem.

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