Start general and open with a question or a statement. Then become more specific.
Start general“How are things going?”
Practice aloud. Pause after each question to leave room for an answer.
Use the full question. Both “killing yourself” and “ending your life” give the person an opportunity to recognize and describe their experience.
Record yourself asking.
Your recording stays in this browser and is removed when you leave this page. It is not uploaded.
If you prefer, practice aloud without recording. Pause after each question to leave room for an answer.
Listen back and consider:
Then just listen and be a caring human being.When someone shares suicidal thoughts, you can follow up: “Have you thought of how you might do it?”
Listen to what they tell you. Help them reach support. You can call or text 988 together, or use 988 online chat. If there is immediate danger, call 911.
