2400 Reading Road | Suite 139 | Cincinnati, OH 45202 | 513.721.2910 | 513.287.8544 fax | Email Us      

 

Suicide Prevention - Getting Help

Suicide Prevention Home | Why Do I Need to Know about Suicide? | Warning Signs | National & Local Resources | In the News
Getting Help: What Can I Do?

• Recognize risk factors/warning signs
• Stay with the person if possible
• Encourage expression of feelings
• Listen without passing judgment
• Make empathic statements
• Do not offer reassurances that may not be true
• Do not offer simplistic solutions
• Assess risk and lethality
  • Is the individual making threats? Don't be afraid to ask.
  • Does the individual have a plan?
  • How specific is the plan? (time frame, details, chance of intervention)
  • Does the individual have access to means that would assist in carrying out the plan?
  • Has the individual made any previous attempts?
• Explore options for support in the environment
• Get family and friends involved with the person's knowledge

Don't

• Leave the person alone
• Assume the person isn't serious
• Act shocked
• Encourage guilt
• Physically intervene
• Promise total confidentiality/offer reassurances that may not be true
• Keep it a secret
• Minimize the problem/offer simplistic solutions
• Challenge
• Use reverse psychology
• Give up hope

Getting Help

• Call for professional help
• If you are a student - tell a trusted adult (parent, other relative, teacher, counselor, crisis hotline)
• Know your community resources
• Maintain connection with service providers and individuals at risk