AFSP-Indiana
I have a friend that I think is Suicidal, What should I do?
Step 1: Learn to recognize the warning signs of suicide.
Step 2: If you suspect someone you know is depressed and suicidal or could be suicidal, approach that person. Talk openly about depression and suicide and ask directly about whether the person in distress is thinking about suicide. Listen and affirm their feelings. Do not judge or debate whether feelings are right or wrong and don’t tell them or imply that they are wrong but do help them explore positive ways to solve their problems.
Step 3: Be available and show interest and support for their situation.
Step 4: Remove any means of suicide such as guns, ropes, knives and pills from their home. Assist them to get help from mental health or crisis intervention experts by calling or taking them to their family physician, your local mental health center, the behavioral health / psychiatric units or emergency departments of their local community hospital or call 1-800-273-TALK for further information.
What are some warning signs of suicide?
Observable signs of serious depression:
Unrelenting low mood, Pessimism, Hopelessness, Desperation, Anxiety, psychic pain and inner tension, Withdrawal, Sleep problems, Increased alcohol and/or other drug use, Recent impulsiveness and taking unnecessary risks, Threatening suicide or expressing a strong wish to die, Making a plan: Giving away prized possessions, Sudden or impulsive purchase of a firearm, Obtaining other means of killing oneself such as poisons or medications, Unexpected rage or anger
