Six steps to stop a suicide
If you are feeling suicidal, call 112 123.
You are not alone.
Step 1 – Identify the suicide risk
- Ask the person directly if they want to take their own life
- There is no need to avoid use of the word suicide. Asking will not place the idea in their head
- Discuss their feelings. It may provide a sense of relief
- Explain that the desire to take one’s own life can be associated with a treatable condition. This provides hope
- Try to appear confident. This can create a reassuring effect
Step 2 – Assess the seriousness of the suicide risk
- Establish if the person has definite plans or if this is a vague notion
- Find out how they plan to take their own life – when / how
- Find out if they have taken steps to carry out the plan
- Establish if drugs or alcohol are involved – they will heighten emotions
- Find out of previous suicide attempts have been made
- Take the expression of ending life seriously. Lack of planning is not enough to reassure
Step 3 – Provide initial assistance
- Do not leave the person on their own
- Accept your own role in this. You may not be able to help
Step 4 – Talk with the suicidal person
- Tell the person that you care and want to help
- Allow them to talk openly about their reasons
- Remind them that ending their life does not have to be the only option
- Remind them that thoughts of ending life is often a desperate plea for help to escape problems
- Try to help the person work out how to deal with the problems that seem insurmountable
- Find out what solutions have worked for them in the past and encourage this again
- Listen and express empathy
- Recommend distraction
Step 5 – Create a no suicide contract
- Encourage the person to agree to not take their life until help has been sought
- Establish who to contact if they feel out of options
Step 6 – Clarify confidentiality
- Involve the person in the decision about who to share this information with
- Do not agree to keep this a secret
Six steps to stop a suicide
