How Do You Help Someone Who Is Suicidal?
On average, 30,000 people a year commit suicide in the United States, and another 130,000 are hospitalized annually after failed attempts. Suicide is not gender, age or race specific. Anyone can develop suicidal thoughts, resulting from depression, a traumatic event or loss. If you are on the telephone or with someone who is expressing suicidal thoughts, it’s imperative to take this person seriously. Stay calm if someone tells you he is thinking about killing himself. Don’t get upset or angry or act shocked. Listen carefully to what he is saying and be sympathetic. Act concerned without offering too much advice. Find help as soon as possible. If a person tells you she’s been having suicidal thoughts, urge her to seek help from a mental health professional. Call 911 immediately if you believe the suicide attempt is imminent. Even if the person objects, call for help. Get as much information as possible to gauge the severity of his thoughts. Ask such questions as, “Have you considered ho
