While helping a Suicidal Person

Do’s	Don’t
Listen. Show empathy, and be calm. Be supportive and caring Take the situation seriously and assess the degree of risk Ask about previous attempts Explore possibilities other than suicide Ask about suicide plan Buy time – make a contract Identify other supports Remove the means, if possible Take action, tell others, get help If the risk is high, stay with the person	Ignore the situation Be shocked or embarrassed and panic Say that everything will be all right Challenge the person to go ahead Give advice Make the problem appear trivial Give false assurances Swear to secrecy Leave them alone