How to ask someone if they are thinking about suicide

If we think someone may be experiencing thoughts and feelings of suicide, we might worry that talking about it will make it worse. However, asking about suicide can actually reduce the risk.

By letting someone know they can talk to us, we create an opportunity for them to express their feelings without the fear of judgment. Once the conversation starts, we can better understand how to connect them with the right support and resources.

For more information on supporting someone who is having thoughts and feelings of suicide, and how you can look after yourself, too, click here.

What we say can be face-to-face or through text – whatever is comfortable for you.

Ask the person directly if they are feeling suicidal

“I’ve noticed you’ve been down for a while. Are you feeling suicidal? Do you want to talk about it with me or someone else?”

“Don’t worry about making me worried. I’m here for you.”

Not everyone who is having thoughts of suicide has a plan or intends to act on those thoughts. Sometimes people just need someone to connect with and talk to about how they are feeling.