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How to Help a Suicidal Person
- Remain calm so you can get help immediately
- Always take the person seriously.
- Do not agree to keep suicidal intentions "a secret."
- Call 911 and drive the person to the Emergency Room.
- If the person refuses to go to the ER, have 911 dispatch the police to take him/her.
- If the person is actively suicidal, do not leave him/her alone for even a second
- Do not attempt to handle the situation alone.
While Waiting for Help
- If the person is willing to talk with a professional, call the Crisis Line at 1-800-731-5577.
- Listen, Listen, Listen.
- Let the person express emotions as he/she wants. Let the person swear or scream or do
what's necessary to release their emotions. But don't let him/her hurt themselves.
- Do not be judgmental or act shocked. This may further upset the person.
- The person is probably experiencing a brain chemistry imbalance so don't expect him/her
to be talking or behaving rationally.
- If the person talks about using a firearm and owns firearms, call the police so they
will remove the weapons. Guns are used in the majority of suicides.
- Let the person know that you care and that they matter.
After Being Seen by a Professional
- Make sure that he/she has a follow-up with a therapist and a medical doctor within 24
hours.
- Check on the person frequently to see if he/she is OK and has followed through with medical
and therapy appointments.
- Never leave the person alone if he/she expresses suicidal intentions.
- Let him or her know that they matter and that you care.
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