What’s Next? Stay Connected and Use Support

You’ve asked the tough question. What happens next?

At the most basic level, listen.

Stay calm and listen without judgment, just as you would to a friend, a colleague, or a family member.

Give the person room to tell you what they are experiencing.

Continue asking direct questions to understand their safety.

“Have you been thinking about killing yourself or ending your life?”

If they tell you they have, continue the conversation: “Have you thought of how you might do it?”

Listen to the answer.

Encourage getting help together.

You can ask, “Can we get you some help?”

Make a plan with the person to connect with others, with care, or with crisis support.

Nine-eight-eight is one option.

You can call or text together.

Becoming familiar with that resource can help make reaching out feel more comfortable.

Stay connected.

Talk with the person about how you will keep in touch and who else they can turn to for support.

And take care of yourself. Supporting someone can bring up difficult feelings. Make time to rest and seek support for yourself, while respecting the person’s privacy.

In Section 7, we will work through Crisis Response Planning, a practical tool you can use with the people you are talking with.