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Photo: Luka Krstulovic, Feb 2007
(Persons in photo for illustrative purposes only and not related to topic of this page).
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1. Be a good listener. You don't need to be overly concerned with exact wording if you are speaking out of love and concern. Show that you care by talking to them, holding them while they cry, or whatever else is needed. Don't be judgmental or offer too many solutions, it may not be the right time for that.
2. A suicidal person usually is carrying around some burden that they feel they just can't handle anymore. Offer to listen as they vent their feelings of despair, anger and loneliness. Sometimes this is enough to lighten the load just enough for them to carry on.
3. Be sympathetic, non-judgmental, patient, calm, accepting. Don't belittle a person's feelings. Just convey compassionate and sympathetic thoughts to them such as, "I understand how you feel. I have felt like that sometimes myself, or, I know other people who have said the same thing. You are not alone. God understands. You're not crazy, this happens to many people. You can pull through it. Display empathy and compassion.
The person will pick up on your attitude and begin to mirror this.
4. Draw the person out, ask questions, "Are you having thoughts of suicide, what do you want to do?" Most people don’t have definite plans and
don’t follow through.
5. Give them reassurance, let them know their life has value. Let them know you personally value their life. Let them know God values their life. Remind them of positive things of their lives, who they may have helped.
6. Try to instill a feeling of hope. Let them know that storms pass, if they get through this difficulty there is better times ahead.
7. Share comforting scriptures. Read Psalms 103 or another reassuring Psalm to them.
8. Get support if it is serious, don't ignore it. Ongoing support can be an important safety measure.
9. Allow them to vent their feelings. Talking can help take off the edge and calm a person down. Let them know that they can also vent on you if they need to, that you are not offended and don't think any less of them. Pray for them and with them.
10. Try, in time, to get them to go for a long walk with you. Let them talk as you walk along.
Please read the following:
Anyone who is on medication should not come off abruptly. Sudden change in one's medication regimen can cause problems. Anyone who has suicidal thoughts and is trying to come off of medication, should do so under a doctor's supervision and come off gradually.
This website is for informative and educational purposes only and any decisions that one makes in his or her treatment, or for their children are on a personal basis and by reading the information on this site, the reader acknowledges that the AYCNP bears no responsibility for individual decisions on mental health.
Suicide Prevention: These are some organizations concerned with suicide prevention:
National Suicide Prevention Directory Off-site link
Contact information for suicide prevention agencies. Listed by state.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Off-site link
Locate support groups for friends and families of suicide victims.
Suicide Awareness\Voices of Education Off-site link
Includes an FAQ, general information on suicide, some common statistics, symptoms of depression, literature.
Pages related to Suicide Counseling
Suicide Support and Prevention
Use of
Marijuana - Suicide Risk, Increase in Rate of Schizophrenia
Spirituality and Mental Health
