What can you do to help?

Encourage reaching out to family members and friends in a genuine way. The person does not have to be feeling happy in order to call someone, nor do they have to pretend everything is fine. This is a time to reach out to someone who they feel they can trust.

Help the person to think about others who they would like to contact and ways in which this can be done.

If Suicidal Thoughts Are Expressed, it is Important to Understand:  

If someone is having suicidal thoughts and feelings it does not mean that they are necessarily going to act on them. If you are unsure, ask “Have you told anyone else?”  When someone is sharing suicidal thoughts and feelings, they are taking part in a life-affirming process. Sharing these terrifying feelings is a big step towards working through them and feeling better.  Each of us is ultimately responsible for our own life. You are not responsible for other people’s choices.  For intense feelings encourage the person to tell/call someone or visit the emergency room

What Can You Do? 

Give reassurance – It is ok to talk about suicidal thoughts and encourage exploration of these feelings with partner/family, inform PCP or health professional.

Find out if there is a suicide plan - it is important to identify immediate resources for help. 

Refer to a professional if there is intent and a concrete plan – these include: PCP (primary care physician), Lifeline at 2-1-1 or (585) 275-3535, call 911 or go to the emergency room at any hospital immediately.