How do I respond to students who are at risk for Suicide?

• Remain Calm
• Ask the student directly if they are thinking about suicide
• Listen attentively
• Reassure them that there is help and they will not feel like this forever
• Do not judge them or their thoughts.
• Offer to stay with them. Do not leave the student alone.
• Offer to go with them to get help or contact a crisis line.
• Remove means for self-harm
• Never keep what you’ve heard a secret
• Seek help from your school’s personnel or community mental health resources as soon as possible

Talking with and finding help for a student that may be suicidal can be difficult. Here are some tips that may help.

• Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide.
• Be willing to listen. Allow expressions of feelings. Accept the feelings.
• Be non-judgmental. Don’t debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or whether feelings are good or bad. Don’t lecture on the value of life.
• Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.
• Don’t dare him or her to do it.
• Don’t act shocked. This will put distance between you.
• Don’t be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.
• Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance.
• Take action. Remove means, like weapons or pills.
• Connect the student to the right school personnel who can continue to help the student and connect the student to the right resources.
• Get help from people or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.