If you think someone is suicidal, there are some basic do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:
- Do talk openly.
- Do try to instill hope.
- Reassure them that help is available.
- Do encourage expression of feelings.
- Do listen without passing judgment.
- Do make empathic statements.
- This is empathy: “It must be awful to be feeling the way you do. Tell me more.”
- This is not empathy: “I know exactly how you feel.”
- 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.
- “Think of how your mom would feel” won’t help
- 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 person, 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.
