Suicide Awareness and Prevention

Three Ways to Support Someone You Love

By: Esther Brown, LPC-Associate

Talking about suicide can feel frightening or uncomfortable, but avoiding the conversation can leave someone who is struggling feeling even more alone. Suicide prevention begins with awareness, compassion, and a willingness to reach out.

You don't need to have all the answers to make a difference.

Sometimes, simply noticing that something has changed and letting someone know you care can be an important first step.

Understanding the Warning Signs

People experiencing suicidal thoughts may not always say directly that they are thinking about suicide. Changes in behavior, mood, or communication can sometimes signal that someone is struggling.

Potential warning signs include withdrawing from friends and family, expressing hopelessness or feeling like a burden, giving away possessions, saying goodbye in an unusual way, experiencing significant changes in sleep or mood, or talking about death or suicide.

One sign by itself doesn't necessarily mean someone is suicidal. But when you notice concerning changes—especially when they are sudden or intense—it's worth taking them seriously.

Three Helpful Steps If You’re Concerned

Step 1: Ask directly and listen without judgment

If you suspect someone you love may be thinking about suicide, don't be afraid to ask.

You might say, “I've noticed you've been having a really difficult time lately. Are you thinking about hurting yourself or suicide?”

Asking directly does not put the idea into someone's head. Instead, it can create an opportunity for them to be honest about what they're experiencing.

Listen calmly. Avoid minimizing their feelings or immediately trying to solve everything. Let them know that you care, that they're not a burden, and that you're glad they told you.

Step 2: Help them connect with support

You don't have to handle the situation alone. Encourage the person to connect with someone who can provide professional or crisis support—a doctor, therapist, counselor, trusted family member, or crisis service.

If they're in immediate danger, stay with them if you can and contact emergency services or a local crisis service. In the United States, you can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

If possible, help make the next step easier: offer to make the call with them, drive them to an appointment, or stay nearby while they reach out.

Step 3: Help make the environment safer and keep checking in

If someone may be at immediate risk, don't leave them alone. Help create distance between them and anything they could use to hurt themselves, when you can do so safely.

Continue checking in after the initial conversation. A text saying “I'm thinking about you—how are you doing today?” can remind someone that they haven't been forgotten.

Support doesn't end after one conversation. Recovery and safety can take time, and consistent connection can make an enormous difference.

You Don't Have to Be an Expert to Help

Suicide prevention isn't about saying the perfect thing. It's about noticing, asking, listening, and helping someone connect with support.

If you're worried about someone, trust your concern enough to reach out. A difficult conversation may feel uncomfortable, but letting someone know “I'm here, and I care about you” can open a door when they may feel like there are no doors left.

And if you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, you deserve support, too. In the United States, call or text 988 for immediate crisis support. If you are in immediate danger or have already seriously harmed yourself, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Reaching out isn't a sign of weakness. It is a step toward safety, connection, and hope.