Suicide

How To Help A Suicidal Friend

• DO…
• Ask How They Feel - Don’t be afraid to ask your friend how they are getting along if they seem disturbed or depressed to you.
• Let Them Know You Care - If they confide in you that they have been thinking of suicide, tell them how much you care. Remember, you have already shown them your concern by approaching them in the first place.
• Listen - Keep calm and listen. Don’t be afraid to talk about suicide or the problems that made them feel this way. Problems don’t get worse by talking about them. In fact, getting things “off your chest” makes you feel better, even if the problems are still there. Don’t expect to solve problems, just listen.
• Get Professional Help - Tell them you know their life is difficult right now, but there are people who can help.
• DON’T…
• Try To Change The Subject - Ignoring threats because you are scared may look like you don’t care.
• Offer Simple Advice - The problems look very major to your friend right now.
• Tell Them They Are Selfish To Consider Suicide When Their Life Is So Good - You will make then feel guilty as well as depressed.
• Say Suicide Is The Easy Way Out - There is nothing easy about suicide.

MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT SUICIDE

• Myth: People who talk about suicide don’t kill themselves.
• Fact: Eight out of ten suicides have spoken about their intent before killing themselves.
• Myth: People who kill themselves really want to die.
• Fact: Most people who commit suicide are confused about whether or not they want to die. Suicide is often a cry for help that ends in tragedy.
• Myth: When people talk about suicide, you should get their mind off it and change the subject.
• Fact: Take them seriously; listen with care; give them the chance to express themselves; offer whatever help you can.
• Myth: Once the depression seems to be lifting, would-be suicides are out of danger.
• Fact: At such a time, they are most vulnerable to a reversal: something can go wrong to make the person even worse than before. They person’s apparent calm may be due to having already decided on suicide.
• Myth: Only a certain type of troubled person tries suicide.
• Fact: All types of people have committed suicide. It is true that previous attempts, mental illness or major life problems can put someone at higher risk. But we’ve all heard the stories about the people with “everything going for them” that commit suicide too.
• Myth: By mentioning suicide to a depressed person, you risk putting that idea into their head.
• Fact: The opposite is true. Many people contemplate suicide at one time or another. The suicidal person usually feels very alone with their problem. Your willingness to talk openly will come as a great relief. BUT, if you guessed wrong and they weren’t contemplating suicide, they’ll simply tell you so. Then you won’t have to wonder anymore.

Where To Go For Help

• 911
• local distress centre (number is available at the front of your telephone book)
• nearest hospital
• Kids Help Phone: 1 800 668 6868 (in Canada)