Since the publication of my book Well, I have fielded some calls, emails and texts from people with suicidal thoughts. This was not something I expected to happen. When it did for the first time, I immediately started educating myself on how to properly respond.
The SPRC (Suicide Prevention Resource Center) offers free certifications in online training. I urgently signed up for all four classes and earned the certifications. Yet, I still feel so unprepared.
The number one thing to know is that it is OK to talk to a suicidal person about suicide. Questioning them with specific evaluative questions will not push them closer to suicide. It does the opposite. You help them see that they are valued enough to be asked these questions and your compassion is felt deeply.
In the picture above are 6 questions you can ask someone who says they want to kill themselves. If they answer "yes" to any of these questions they must be taken seriously. Stay with them until they are handed off to someone who can help. A close friend or family member who will stay with them and remove any lethal means from their environment. The most lethal being any firearms they can access. If they answer yes to 4, 5, or 6 you must immediately escort them to Emergency Personnel.
Print out this blog post and cut the "Questions To Save A Life" graphic out, and carry it with you in your wallet. The epidemic of suicide could require you to have this tool on hand. I know I will. If at any time you feel you have lost control in the situation, call 911 and wait with them I know I will.
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