- Listen to the person with concern
- Ask the person if he/she has ever felt unhappy for a long time and
assure him/her that things can and will change - Be especially concerned if the person uses drugs and/or alcohol
because his or her judgment may be impaired - Ask if the person has suicidal thoughts
- Give the person the CHIMO Helpline number and make sure the person calls
- Stay with the person and do something together
- If the person is suicidal and refuses to get help, tell a responsible adult
or someone you trust as soon as possible - Make specific plans to see the person the next day, so he/she has a reason to live
What you can do to help a depressed or suicidal person
What to say to a troubled person
- “I’m here for you”
- “I want to hear about what’s bothering you”
- “I really care about you”
- “Let’s talk and figure out how to make things better”
- “Things are tough now, but they will change. You’ve got to hang in there, and I’m here to help”
- “I would feel horrible if you hurt yourself, and I don’t want you to die”
- “If I can’t help you, I’ll help you find someone who can help”
- “No one and nothing is worth taking your life”
Don’t
- Ignore the person
- Put the person down
- Change the subject
- Try to handle it alone if the person doesn’t respond to your efforts to help
- Suggest drugs or alcohol as a solution
In the majority of suicides, drugs and/or alcohol are a factor. Be more vigilant if you know the person is using drugs and/or alcohol to deal with problems.
To get help, contact
- Your local Community Mental Health Centre
- The nearest hospital Emergency Department
- Chimo Helpline (24 hrs) – 1-800-667-5005
- Kids Help Phone – 1-800-668-6868
- 9-1-1 in case of emergency
- The Canadian Mental Health Association
- Mental Health Outreach Services
- Family physicians
- Local clergy
Remember
If you are concerned that a person is suicidal – listen carefully, stay with him or her, and get professional help as soon as possible.
You cannot take responsibility for another person’s life - the decision is his or her own - you may, however, be able to help the person see other ways of dealing with his or her problems and pain.