Experiencing a suicidal crisis can feel unsettling, painful and overwhelming. Many students have never directly dealt with a suicidal person, and when such a situation presents itself they are likely to feel helpless and overwhelmed. The following guidelines are presented to help provide a sense of direction and facilitate the helping process.
Know the Warning Signs
- Although most depressed people are not suicidal, most suicidal people are depressed – know the warning signs of depression:
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- pessimism
- hopelessness
- loss of interest/pleasure in formerly enjoyable activities
- change in appetite or weight
- sleep problems
- sleeplessness
- anxiety
- social withdrawal
- decrease in sexual drive
- fatigue or loss of energy
- diminished ability to think or concentrate, slowed thinking or indecisiveness
- thoughts of death, suicide, or wishes to be dead
- unrelenting low mood
What to do
- Ask and listen. Talking about the person’s thoughts openly and frankly can help prevent a person from acting on them. This may include asking if the person has a particular plan or method in mind.
- You might think mentioning suicide may give the person the ideas but this is highly unlikely; if someone is showing warning sings of being suicidal, he or she has, in all likelihood, already thought about it.
- Give hope. Sometimes people can’t think of any other solutions to what is causing the distress. You can acknowledge that the person currently feels hopeless but also convey that things can get better and there are other options. You may even be able to offer some alternative options.
- Do not attempt to argue anyone out of suicide. Rather, let the person know you care and understand, that he or she is not alone, that suicidal feelings are temporary, that depression can be treated, and that problems can be solved. Avoid the temptation to say things such as, “You have so much to live for,” or “You suicide will help will hurt your family or friends.”
- Be genuine. If professional help is indicated, a person is more apt to follow such a recommendation if you have genuinely listened to him or her.
Refer Person to Seek Professional Help
- Be actively involved in encouraging the person to see a physician or mental health professional immediately. Individuals contemplating suicide don’t believe they may be helped, so you may have to do more such as offering to go with the person to his/her appointment.
*Written By: The University of Missouri Counseling Center