Suicide
What to do if …someone you know is threatening suicide
- 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 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, such as guns or stockpiled pills.
- Get help from persons or agencies specializing in crisis intervention or suicide prevention.
For additional information regarding suicide.
Contact
- Local Police Department (for Springfield, 417-864-1700)
or Sheriff (Greene County, 417-868-4040) - Burrell Center Inc./Crisis Assist Team (417-862-6555)
or (800-494-7355) - Missouri State Counseling Center (417-836-5116)
For information on other suicide education sites
For help in understanding suicide.
For information regarding research by the National Institute of Mental Health