Clinician’s Corner
If you think that your friend is Considering suicide, don’t be afraid to ask. Many people are worried that using those words will put that idea in their friend’s head.
It does not.
Asking That question may open up a lot of distress that your friend is dealing with.
Listen.
Be authentic.
Be respectful and patient.
Relax.
Listening is often the very best gift that you can give another person.
Put aside any judgment that you hold or hear from others.
Many people hold the judgment that the friend is doing it for “attention.”
At this moment, your friend requires attention.
Your friend may benefit from your assistance in finding appropriate resources.
One such resources is the “988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline” Dialing 988 will connect your friend with immediate support. That resource is available 24 hours a day.
Your friend might feel safer telling others if you are present.
If your friend is in imminent risk, they may feel safer with you accompanying them to the local emergency room for a suicide risk assessment.
You can make a difference.