Look up the National Suicide Hotline for more info.
Communicate
1) keep the person talking about their thoughts of suicide & why they feel they have to do that.
"What's going on to make you think suicide is the answer?"
2) let other loved ones know their special loved one is talking that way. The more people who know, the more options there are for intervention.
(Believe them when they say they just want to end it all; don't minimize it; take it seriously!!)
3) Tell them if they start thinking crazy thoughts to call you or 911 for help before they do anything stupid.
Offer help
1)Tell the person you will go with them to talk with someone.
2) Ask them who they would feel comfortable talking to; clergy, counselor, parent, older adult and then take them of let them call that person.
Follow Through
1) set a time to call on them everyday & check in with them. Did they see someone or talk with someone?
2) reassure them to take one hour, day, week at a time. The feeling didn't happen overnight & it won't heal over night either.
