Help Support CrisisLink
Donate Now!
Donate Now!
What To Say / Do...
What to Say
- “Have you been so unhappy lately that you’re thinking life isn’t worth living?”
- “Do you sometimes wish you could just go to sleep and not wake up?”
- “You seem really miserable…are you feeling suicidal?”
- “Have you been thinking about killing yourself?”
What To Do
If the answer to any of the questions, above, is “yes” or “maybe”…
- Don’t be sworn to secrecy. It’s better to have an angry friend than a dead one. (“I’m really worried about you. I can’t keep a deadly secret.”)
- Contract for safety (“Can you promise to stay safe until after class, etc.?”)
- Help the person brainstorm an immediate plan to get help. (“How can we get you the help that you need to stay safe and get better?”)
- Seek responsible adult assistance (with or without the person’s agreement).
- Encourage the person to call CrisisLink at the number shown
at the left, or call 1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-273-TALK -- or call
yourself. Help is available 24/7/365!