How You Can Help a Suicidal Person

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College is a huge adjustment for most people regardless of their age or background. For some, this transition is more stressful than for others. If you have noticed changes in someone you know that concern you, you can help. You may be aware of troubling signs that something is wrong with a friend that relatives, professors and others may not detect. In fact, it is difficult even for experts to understand who is at serious risk of suicide and who is not. Surprisingly, the risk for suicide can sometimes increase as a person begins to recover from depression, and people considering suicide might actually seem calmer or happier. Many of the warning signs for suicide could also indicate problems with drug or alcohol abuse, domestic violence, depression or another mental illness. People with these problems need help, too.

Warning Signs

Some warning signs demand immediate action:

Declaring a plan to hurt or kill him or herself
Talking, writing or drawing about suicide, death or violence
Saying things like "I wish I were dead," "I’m going to end it all," "What's the point of living?" "Soon you won't have to worry about me," "Who cares if I'm dead?"
Staying alone rather than seeking the company of friends or relatives
Sudden mood swings, depression or saying that life is meaningless
Giving away prized possessions
Talking about reuniting with a deceased loved one
Neglecting appearance or hygiene
Obtaining a weapon or another means of hurting him or herself (such as prescription medication)
Suddenly neglecting school assignments or frequently cutting class
A fascination with violence, weapons, or violent movies and video games
Risk-taking such as reckless driving, carelessness around balconies or in traffic, or having "accidents" that result in injury

Risk of Suicide

Certain people are at higher risk for suicide, such as those individuals:

with alcohol or substance abuse problems
who are depressed
involved in abusive relationships and/or with a history of physical, emotional or sexual abuse
struggling with sexual orientation or gender identity issues
with eating disorders
who have a family member with a history of depression or suicide

How Can You Help?

If you think that any of your friends or classmates might be thinking about hurting themselves, there are important things you can do:

Talk to Them

Ask them if they are thinking about hurting themselves. You may have to be persistent before they are willing to talk. Listen non-judgmentally and don't pretend you have the answers. Talking about suicide will not push someone to kill themselves. Express your concern for the person. Suicidal people often feel as though no one understands them or that they aren’t taken seriously. Talking through feelings may help a friend recognize the need for professional help.

It is also not true that people who talk about killing themselves will not actually try it, so always take any intention, feelings or suicidal behaviors very seriously. You should be especially concerned if people tell you that they have made a detailed suicide plan or know of a way to hurt themselves. Don't leave them alone. The most important thing you can do may be to help them find help. Never promise to keep someone's intention to kill him or herself a secret. Develop a plan for help with the person.

Express Your Concern to a Responsible Adult

Find someone who is concerned with and understands young people and can help, such as a teacher, counselor, coach, a member of your friend's family or a religious leader. If you think your friend is in danger and refuses to get help, or if you don't feel that you know the person well enough, you should speak to an adult who can intervene.