Friend - What to do ...

If one or more of the warning signs occurs, a friend can help, but parents need to be involved to talk to their child about their concerns and seek professional help when the concerns persist. With support from family and professional treatment, teens and children who are suicidal can heal and return to a more normal and healthy life.

What should you do if a friend tells you that they are thinking about suicide?

If your friend tells you that they are thinking about suicide, you should take their comment seriously, listen, don't judge, and help them get to a professional for evaluation and treatment. Teens consider suicide when they feel hopeless and are not able to see a solution to their problems. Suicidal behavior is typically related to depression, alcohol, substance abuse, or a mental disorder. Suicidal behavior is also more likely to occur when your friend has experienced a stressful event such as a major loss. If someone is in immediate danger of harming himself or herself, do not leave the person alone. You may need to take emergency steps to get help, such as calling 911.

  • Take the comment seriously.
  • Get the word "suicide" out in the open to let your friend know you have heard their cries for help.
  • Reassure your friend that you care about them and that you want to help.
  • Don't dismiss their problem, get angry, or be judgmental.
  • Remove dangerous items or call an adult for help.
  • Do not leave the person alone.
  • Take emergency action such as calling 911.
  • Call your friend's parent to inform them of the situation.
  • Encourage your friend's parent to get professional help or treatment for your friend.