When a friend or family member makes suicide plans

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When a friend or family member makes suicide plans

If you think that someone you know is considering suicide, take the following steps to evaluate your suspicions.

• Look for warning signs of suicide. If a very depressed person suddenly seems less depressed, he or she may have made specific plans to commit suicide. Other warning signs are a little different as people get older.
  • Warning signs of suicide in teens and young adults may include preoccupation with death or suicide or a recent breakup of a love relationship.
  • Warning signs of suicide in adults may include alcohol or substance abuse, recent job loss, or divorce.
  • Warning signs of suicide in older adults may include the recent death of a partner or diagnosis of a life-limiting illness.
• Talk with the person. Don't be afraid to ask “What is the matter?” or bring up the subject of suicide. There is no evidence that talking about suicide leads to suicidal thinking or suicide.
• Be willing to listen. If a family member, friend, or coworker talks about suicide or wanting to die or disappear, even in a joking manner, the conversation must be taken seriously. Once you know the person's thoughts on the subject, you may be able to help prevent a suicide.

Help the person who is considering suicide get an appointment with a mental health specialist. You may contact your own health professional to help you find a specialist, or get in touch with your employee assistance program. There are many other places to get help, such as a counselor, community mental health agency, local suicide hot line, or the national suicide hot line (1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-784-2433).

Credits

Last updated:	January 12, 2007
Author:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry
Editors:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC, Tracy Landauer