Do Not Be Afraid To Ask:
"Do you sometimes feel so bad you think of suicide?"
Just about everyone has considered suicide, however fleetingly, at one time or another. There is no danger of "giving someone the idea." In fact, it can be a great relief if you bring the questions of suicide into the open, and discuss it freely without showing shock or disapproval. Raising the question of suicide shows that you are taking the person seriously and responding to the potential of her or his distress.

If The Answer Is: "Yes. I do think of suicide."
You Must Take It Seriously And Follow It Through.
"Have you thought how you'd do it?" "Do you have the means?" "Have you decided when you would do it?" "Have you ever tried suicide before?" "What happened then?" If the person has a definite plan, if the means are easily available, if the method is a lethal one and the time is set, the risk of suicide is very high. Your responses will be geared to the urgency of the situation as you see it. Therefore, it is vital not to underestimate the danger by not asking for the details.

Remember: Always ask "How?" and "When?" before "Why?" These questions tell you the first signs of serious risk. the degree of suicide risk can be determined further by applying the criteria outlined in: Evaluating Suicide Risk (PLAID PALS).

Making A Contract
If you ascertain that the risk of suicide is high (i.e., a strong possibility exists that the person will commit suicide in the near future), try to make a verbal agreement with the person to contact you before he or she follows through with suicidal intentions.

Call your local crisis line for other ways to help.

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