Ways to Help a Youth Who is Contemplating Suicide

Talking about suicide does not cause someone to be suicidal.

  • Be aware. Learn the warning signs.
  • Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.
  • Ask if he/she is thinking about suicide.
  • Be direct. Talk openly and freely about suicide.
  • Be willing to listen. Allow for expressions of feelings. Accept the feelings.
  • Be non-judgmental. Don’t debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or feelings are good or bad.
  • Don’t lecture on the value of life.
  • Don’t dare him/her to do ie.
  • Don’t give advice by making decisions for someone else to tell them to behave differently.
  • Don’t ask “why.” This encourages defensiveness.
  • Offer empathy, not sympathy.
  • Don’t act shocked. This creates distance.
  • Don’t be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.
  • Offer hope that alternatives are available, do not offer glib reassurance; it only proves you don’t understand.
  • Take action! Remove means such as available firearms or stockpiled pills. Get help from individuals or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
  • Encourage them to talk to someone, by contacting:
    • A suicide prevention/crisis intervention center
    • A private therapist
    • A religious/spiritual leader
    • A community mental health agency
    • A school counselor or psychologist
    • A family physician
  • Make a referral to Second Wind Fund of Douglas County

The information on this page has been adapted from the following sources:

  • American Association of Suicidology website: “Youth Suicide Fact Sheet”
  • American Association of Suicidology website: “Some Facts About Suicide in the U.S.A.”
  • American Association of Suicidology website: “Understanding and Helping the Individual”
  • State of Colorado Office of Suicide Prevention. Recent data provided by the Office of Suicide Prevention via correspondence.
  • The Colorado Trust, “Suicide in Colorado.”
  • State of Colorado Suicide Prevention and Intervention Plan, The Report of the Governor’s Suicide Prevention Advisory Commission. November 1998.