Suicide Support · Psychoeducation

Supporting someone else

You do not have to fix their pain. You can be a steady human who asks, listens, and helps them reach real care.

Ask directly

Asking about suicide does not plant the idea. Silence leaves people alone with it.

Try: “Are you thinking about suicide?” or “Have you had thoughts of ending your life?”
Stay calm. Soft voice. No lecture. No “you have so much to live for” as a first move.
If they say yes — thank them for telling you. That took courage.

Evidence: asking does not increase ideation (Dazzi et al., 2014; Gould et al., 2005). More: Evidence & studies

Listen more than you talk. Reflect: “This sounds unbearably heavy.”
Help them contact 988, text HOME to 741741, or go with them to urgent care / ER if needed.
Ask a crisis counselor about reducing access to lethal means safely and collaboratively.
Offer one concrete next step: a session, a warmline, a friend check-in. One plan beats a pep talk.
Follow up with a caring contact — a short message that does not demand a reply.

Promising total secrecy if they are at imminent risk — safety comes first; tell them you need backup.
Arguing morals, minimizing (“everyone feels that way”), or guilt as the opener.
Trying to be their only support. You are a person, not a crisis system.

Local backup: Raleigh hub. For yourself after a hard conversation: Stress & Burnout · 988.