What to do if someone may be suicidal?

From the book – Chapter 18: Mental-Health Emergency and Safety

What to do if someone may be suicidal

Do not leave them alone

Stay with the person or ensure another trusted adult stays with them. Remove or secure potentially dangerous items if possible.

Listen and validate

1. Speak calmly and respectfully.

2. Let them express feelings without interruption.

3. Avoid arguing, minimising, or moralising ("Think of your family", "This is selfish").

4. Validate pain: I can see how much you are suffering. I am here with you.

Ask directly about suicide

It is a myth that asking about suicide puts the idea in their head. Asking can reduce isolation and open a path to help.

You can ask: Are you thinking about killing yourself? Do you have a plan? Do you have access to the means? If they say yes, treat it as an emergency.

Seek immediate professional help

1. Contact the person's psychiatrist, psychologist, or doctor if they have one.

2. If not, go to the nearest hospital emergency department or contact emergency services.

3. Know where the nearest hospital is.

4. Do not promise secrecy when life is at risk. It is better to breach confidentiality to save a life.

Involve trusted family or friends

Inform close family or friends who can help ensure safety. Share relevant information (risk, plan, means) so they can support monitoring and care.

Read the full chapter – Chapter 18: Mental-Health Emergency and Safety

Stories from real life

• The Message to the Team – Dev, 24, a colleague of Mira's in Mumbai, sends a late message that says, "Tell the team I am sorry for everything. I won't be a…
• The Night the Neighbour Stopped Sleeping – Mrs Dsouza, 45, in Bengaluru, had been unwell for years and stopped her medicine last month. For four days she has not slept, believes the neighbours…
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• Four Lines on a Card – After a hospital stay, Anjali, 32, in Delhi has made it through a very dark week. Her counsellor suggests building a safety plan together on one…

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