Disclaimer

Do's and Don'ts

If you think someone is suicidal, there are some basic do's and don'ts to keep in mind:
  • Do talk openly. Reassure them that they can be helped. Try to instill hope.
  • Do encourage expression of feelings.
  • Do listen without passing judgment.
  • Do make empathic statements.
  • Do stay calm, relaxed, rational.
  • Do know how to access resources.
  • Don't make moral judgments.
    • Telling someone that suicide is a sin won't help.
  • Don't argue or lecture.
  • Don't encourage guilt.
  • Don't promise total confidentiality, or offer reassurances that may not be true.
    • You may be asked to promise that you won't tell anyone. The best response is that because you care about the individual, you're unwilling to make that promise - that you're taking him/her seriously and that you want to get them help.
  • Don't offer empty reassurances.
    • "You're luckier than most people" won't help.
  • Don't minimize the problem or offer simplistic solutions
    • "You just need a good night's sleep" won't help.
  • Don't "dare" the suicidal person or try reverse psychology
  • Don't leave the person alone.
  • Don't go it alone.