Tips for Asking About Suicide
In the Spot Suicide In Your Life module, we reviewed risk factors and warning signs for suicide. These observations are invitations to ask about suicide and talk about the emotions they are experiencing. If you are concerned about someone, trust your gut and always ask whether suicide is on their mind. Let’s take a look at some tips for that conversation.
Bring up your concerns. Name the observations that led you to worry about them. This opens up and guides the conversation. Additionally, it shows you are paying attention and value their wellbeing.
Example: “I haven’t seen you in a while and it sounds like you’re feeling down.”
Show that you care about them. Sometimes, it can feel like you don’t know what to say to make things better. And most of the time, what you say won’t change their situation. People are generally perceptive about your intentions and what you say can have an impact on how they feel. Using your words to show that you genuinely care and want to support them can go a long way.
Example: “I’m worried and I want to be there for you.”
Convey that they are not alone. Experiencing suicidal thoughts can be scary for the person you are supporting. As suicide is not talked about widely in society, they may feel alone in this experience and that something is wrong with them. However, researchers found 1 in 4 adults report having personally thought about suicide. Help them recognize they are not alone and it’s okay to talk about how they feel.
Example: “When stress builds up, sometimes people consider suicide.”
Always ask directly. We don’t want there to be any ambiguity when it comes to suicidal thoughts. It’s important to be on the same page to determine the best support for this person moving forward.
Example: “Are you thinking about suicide?”
Research has shown that talking about suicide with someone does not put the thought into someone’s mind. In fact, some studies have shown that talking directly about suicidal thoughts can help decrease ideation. Take time to ask about suicide whenever you get an inkling that it may be on someone’s mind. Reaching out and having a conversation can make a huge difference!
Want more information? Suicide Is Different offers free tools and customized supports to help those caring for people considering suicide to learn about suicide and build a self-care system for sustainable caregiving. Follow us on Twitter (@SuicideIsDiff) and Instagram (@SuicideIsDifferentOrg) for routine reminders and tips!
SID is not a substitute for clinical treatment or crisis intervention
If you are looking for emergency support, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Suicide Is Different's content and products were developed by subject matter experts for educational purposes only and intended for use by adults. We encourage you to review our Resource Directory if you are looking for clinical services or supports outside of the US.
