Suicide prevention risk assessment: Respond quickly in a crisis
When talking to a suicidal person
Do:
- Be yourself. Let the person know you care, that he/she is not alone. The right words are often unimportant. If you are concerned, your voice and manner will show it.
- Listen. Let the suicidal person unload despair, ventilate anger. No matter how negative the conversation seems, the fact that it exists is a positive sign.
- Be sympathetic, non-judgmental, patient, calm, accepting. Your friend or family member is doing the right thing by talking about his/her feelings.
- Offer hope. Reassure the person that help is available and that the suicidal feelings are temporary. Let the person know that his or her life is important to you.
- If the person says things like, “I’m so depressed, I can’t go on,” ask the question: “Are you having thoughts of suicide?” You are not putting ideas in their head, you are showing that you are concerned, that you take them seriously, and that it’s OK for them to share their pain with you.
But don’t:
- Argue with the suicidal person. Avoid saying things like: "You have so much to live for," "Your suicide will hurt your family," or “Look on the bright side.”
- Act shocked, lecture on the value of life, or say that suicide is wrong.
- Promise confidentiality. Refuse to be sworn to secrecy. A life is at stake and you may need to speak to a mental health professional in order to keep the suicidal person safe. If you promise to keep your discussions secret, you may have to break your word.
- Offer ways to fix their problems, or give advice, or make them feel like they have to justify their suicidal feelings. It is not about how bad the problem is, but how badly it’s hurting your friend or loved one.
- Blame yourself. You can’t “fix” someone’s depression. Your loved one’s happiness, or lack thereof, is not your responsibility.
Adapted from: Metanoia.org
If a friend or family member tells you that he or she is thinking about death or suicide, it's important to evaluate the immediate danger the person is in. Those at the highest risk for attempting suicide in the near future have a specific suicide PLAN, the MEANS to carry out the plan, a TIME SET for doing it, and an INTENTION to do it.
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Level of Suicide Risk
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Low – Some suicidal thoughts. No suicide plan. Says he or she won't attempt suicide.
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Moderate – Suicidal thoughts. Vague plan that isn't very lethal. Says he or she won't attempt suicide.
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High – Suicidal thoughts. Specific plan that is highly lethal. Says he or she won't attempt suicide.
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Severe – Suicidal thoughts. Specific plan that is highly lethal. Says he or she will attempt suicide.
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The following questions can help you assess the immediate risk for suicide:
- Do you have a suicide plan? (PLAN)
- Do you have what you need to carry out your plan (pills, gun, etc.)? (MEANS)
- Do you know when you would do it? (TIME SET)
- Do you intend to attempt suicide? (INTENTION)
If a suicide attempt seems imminent, call a local crisis center, dial 911, or take the person to an emergency room. Remove guns, drugs, knives, and other potentially lethal objects from the vicinity but do not, under any circumstances, leave a suicidal person alone.
For additional Suicide awareness and prevention tips, go to:
Suicide Prevention Resources and Crisis Numbers
Community Resources
Dial 911 to reach your local police department if immediate assistance is needed,
Particularly if you think that the person has already taken action (e.g. swallowed pills) or may do so without quick intervention.
Comm Care Access Crisis Intervention (ACI) Hotline – 1/888-279-8188 for Johnson
County
National Resources
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Crisis Line: 800-833-3915
Get Help Now: 800-999-9999