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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Suicide Prevention and Care Program

How to Talk About Suicide

Recognizing and Responding to Suicide

A man and woman talking.

Suicide occurs across and within all races and cultures. Within Indian Country, the rates are higher than in the general population. The subject of suicide carries the stigmas of depression and death, the fear that just talking about it will make it happen, and other stigmas, including:

  • Suicide is a cry for help
  • When a person decides to end his or her life, there is nothing that can be done to stop him or her
  • A person won't commit suicide if he or she has children, just bought a new car, or is just having a "difficult time"

The reality is that suicide is preventable, and help is available.

Learn to recognize the warning signs and risk factors for suicide.

How to Begin the Conversation

Before talking with someone you are concerned about, have suicide crisis resources available, such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 988 (text), or on the 988 Chat Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  page, for numbers and addresses of local crisis lines or treatment centers. Mention what signs prompted you to ask about how they are feeling.

Ask the Question

Ask directly about suicide. Ask the question in such a way that is natural and flows over the course of the conversation. Ask the question in a way that gives you a "yes" or "no" answer. Don't wait to ask the question when the person is halfway out the door. Asking directly and using the word "suicide" establishes that you and the at-risk person are talking about the same thing, and lets them know you are not afraid to talk about it. Ask:

"Are you thinking about killing yourself?"

or

"Are you thinking about ending your life?"

How NOT to Ask the Question

"You're not thinking about killing yourself, are you?"

Do not ask the question as though you are looking for a "no" answer. Asking the question in this manner tells the person that although you assume they are suicidal, you want and will accept a denial.

Validate the Person' Experience:

  • Talk openly
  • Don't panic
  • Be willing to listen and allow emotional expression
  • Recognize that the situation is serious
  • Don't pass judgment
  • Reassure that help is available
  • Don't promise secrecy
  • Don't leave the person alone

Get Help

Share available resources with the person. Be willing to make the call, or take part in the call to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline's 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  at 988 (text), 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or on the 988 Chat Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  page. The toll-free confidential Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Let the person know that you are willing to go with them to see a professional when they are ready. If you feel the situation is critical, take the person the closest Emergency Room or call 9-1-1. Do not put yourself in danger; if at any time during the process you are concerned about your own safety, or that the person may harm others, call 9-1-1.

Never negotiate with a person who has a gun, call 9-1-1 and leave the area.

If the person has done harm to him or herself in any way, call 9-1-1.