Supporting A Suicidal Person

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Supporting someone with suicidal thoughts can be incredibly difficult and emotionally intense, but your care and presence can make a meaningful difference. Here are ten compassionate and practical tips to help you support them:

• Never dismiss suicidal talk as "just drama" or "attention-seeking." If someone is talking about wanting to die or not wanting to live, take it seriously — even if they seem calm or joke about it

.2. Listen Without Judgment

• Let them speak freely. Don’t interrupt or try to "fix" things right away.
• Avoid saying things like “others have it worse” or “you have so much to live for.” These minimize their pain.

3 . Ask Directly About Suicide

• It’s a myth that asking someone if they’re thinking about suicide will "put the idea in their head."
• You can ask gently:
  “Are you thinking about ending your life?” or
  “Have you thought about hurting yourself?”
• If they say yes, stay calm and continue the conversation with empathy.

• Your calmness can help regulate their emotions. Even if you're scared or anxious inside, try to remain steady and supportive.

• If there's a clear or immediate risk, don’t leave them alone. Remove any means of self-harm (if safely possible), and seek help right away.

• Support them in finding a therapist, doctor, crisis line, or counselor.
• Offer to help with the process — making calls, driving them to appointments, or sitting with them during the first session if they want.

• In many countries, you can call a mental health crisis line or emergency services for help.
• Example: In the U.S., you can dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

• Check in regularly. Text or call just to say, “Hey, I was thinking about you. How are you doing today?”
• This shows that your concern wasn't just a one-time event — and can build trust.

• Supporting someone in crisis can be emotionally exhausting. Know your own limits, and seek your own support if needed.
• It’s okay to say, “I care about you deeply, but I also need to take care of my own mental health.”

• Recovery doesn’t happen overnight. There might be ups and downs.
• Keep showing up. Let them know they are not alone — and that you’re walking alongside them, not trying to drag them out of the darkness.

You don’t need to have all the answers. Just being there — genuinely present, listening, and caring — can be life-saving. You're not expected to be a therapist, but your support could be the reason someone chooses to keep going.

• Call: 📞 116 123 (Free from any phone, 24/7)
• Website: www.samaritans.org
• What they offer: Confidential emotional support for anyone in distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide.

• Text: 📱 SHOUT to 85258
• Website: www.giveusashout.org
• What they offer: Free, confidential text support for anyone in crisis. Available 24/7.

• Call: 📞 111, then press option 2 (if available in your area)
• What they offer: Access to local mental health crisis teams and professional help.

• For young people under 35
• Call: 📞 0800 068 4141
• Text: 📱 07860 039 967
• Hours: 9am–Midnight, every day
• Website: www.papyrus-uk.org

• For men and anyone needing someone to talk to
• Call: 📞 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight every day)
• Webchat: Available via their site
• Website: www.thecalmzone.net

• Website: www.mind.org.uk
• Info Line: 📞 0300 123 3393 (9am–6pm, Mon–Fri)
• Offers information, support, and guidance on mental health issues.

• If someone is at immediate risk of harming themselves, call:
  📞 999 (Police/Ambulance)
  • Or take them to A&E (Accident & Emergency)

You don’t have to face this alone — and neither does the person you’re supporting. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help, even if you're unsure. The services above are trained to support people in distress and guide you through what to do next.