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What
to Do:
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Take
suicide threats seriously; be direct, open and honest in
communication.
-
Listen,
allow the individual to express their feelings. Express your
concerns in a non-judgmental way.
-
Say
things like: "I'm here for you", "Let's talk",
"I care about what happens to you."
-
Ask,
"Are you having suicidal thoughts?" A detailed plan
indicates greater risk.
-
Take
action, get professional help immediately.
-
Remove
potential weapons, drugs and alcohol.
-
Do not
worry about being disloyal to the individual, contact a family
member or close friend of the person.
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What
NOT to do:
-
Do not
leave the person alone if you feel the risk to their safety is
immediate.
-
Do not
treat the threat lightly even if the person begins to joke about it.
-
Do not
act shocked or condemn. There may not be another cry for help.
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Do not
swear to secrecy or worry about being disloyal.
-
Do not
offer simple solutions.
-
Do not
suggest drugs or alcohol as a solution.
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Do not
suggest to them how much better off they are than others. This
increases feelings of guilt and worthlessness.
-
Do not
judge the person or argue with them.
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Do not
try and counsel the person yourself, GET PROFESSIONAL HELP!
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