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Listen. Be a friend, be
interested, ask questions and listen to the
answers. Don't offer unsolicited advice, try
not to criticise and judge. |
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Be there for your friend,
but don't promise more than you can give.
Do let them know that you care and are concerned. |
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Encourage the person to
seek professional help. A doctor can arrange
appropriate counselling or treatment. If your
friend doesn't seek help and continues to
talk of suicide, or you are still concerned,
contact the doctor, therapist or crisis team
yourself. If your friend doesn't already have
contact with professional help, get in touch
with Lifeline by phoning 131 114 which can
give advice and information. |
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Talk about suicide. Don't
be afraid to talk about the person's suicidal
thoughts. Talking about suicide doesn't make
it more likely to happen. Most people are
relieved to be able to discuss their suicidal
feelings with someone they trust and who can
offer support and hope. |
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Discourage social isolation.
Assist the person to develop a support network
which can be called on at times of despair. |
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Call an ambulance immediately
if the person has taken pills, or otherwise
harmed themselves. Don't attempt to assess
the seriousness of the situation yourself
- get help fast. |
