Prevent Suicide Now

It is highly likely that at some point in everybody’s life they may come across
somebody who’s suicidal. This is the best way to help:

Listen
It is important that you listen, and do so without any judgement and acknowledging
everything they are saying. Give your complete attention.

Show that you care

This can be done by what you say, how you say it and body language. Let them
know that you care about them, what they are going through and how they are
feeling. Offer compassion, empathy and concern.

Do not belittle
Take whatever they are saying seriously and do not belittle whatever they are saying
because it is their reality. Be respectful of the individual and do not make jokes or
take what they say lightly.

Be calm
The person that you may be talking to might be distressed, be calm, and help them
soothe their stressors. Don’t become alarmed or shocked about what they say or do.
If you need help do reach out to one of their family members or friends or take the
person to the nearest hospital.

Do not leave them alone

Make sure that you don’t leave them on their own till they have calmed down and
assure you that they will not harm themselves. Ideally, wait till a family member,
friend or colleague comes and collects them. Do follow-up after the episode.

Don’t offer advice

Your job is not to fix their problems by offering solutions. We can’t claim to
understand what the person is going through and definitely aren’t professionally
equipped to offer advice.

Don’t promise confidentiality

Individuals who are suicidal might tell you to keep it a secret. Don’t promise to keep it
confidential. But communicate that with care and concern letting them know that you
will only talk about this with a family member, friend or a mental health professional.

Recovery and follow-up

Offer to make an appointment with mental health professional and give them
information on where they can seek help. Also follow-up on the person to check and
see how they are doing.