Help For Someone Else
A suicidal person may not ask for help, but that doesn't mean that help isn't wanted. Most people
who commit suicide don't want to die – they want to end their pain. The prevention of suicide starts
with recognizing warning signs and risk factors. If you think someone is considering suicide, here are
some tips for starting the conversation.
LOOK
INQUIRE
NOTE
for areas of concern.
Ask the question.
the level of risk.
Areas of concern – or
warning signs may
appear in the form of
a person’s situations,
behaviors or verbal
cues. These are often
experienced in
clusters and are seen
as being out of the
ordinary for that
individual.
Examples of these
warning signs may
include:
Asking someone if
they are thinking
about suicide will not
put the idea in their
head – instead, it
opens the door for
communication and
shows them you care.
If someone tells you
that they are thinking
about suicide,
• Loss of a loved one
Be sure to avoid
judgment and be
direct with your
question.
Consider asking
whether he or she
has a plan,
The means to do it,
A timeline,
And/or has had any
previous suicide
attempts.
• Previous suicide
attempt(s)
• Eating too much or
eating too little
• Sleeping too much
or sleeping too little
• Risky behaviors
• Extreme mood swings
For more information on the prevention of suicide visit:
www.tinyurl.com/FresnoStateSuicidePrevention
KNOW
your resources.
Depending on the
level of risk, getting
help may mean
offering to help him
or her ...
Schedule a doctor’s
appointment.
Walking him or her to
the Student Health &
Counseling Center.
Calling 911.
Visiting your local
emergency room.
You can also call the
National Suicide
Prevention Lifeline at:
1.800.273.TALK