Be aware. Learn the warning signs. Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support. Ask if he/she is thinking about suicide. Be direct. Talk openly and freely about suicide. Be willing to listen. Allow for expression of feelings. Accept the feelings. Be non-judgmental. Don’t debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or feelings are good or bad. Don’t lecture on the value of life. Don’t dare him/her to do it. Don’t give advice by making decisions for someone else, or by telling them to behave differently. Don’t ask ‘why’. This encourages defensiveness. Offer empathy, not sympathy. Don’t act shocked. This creates distance. Don’t be sworn to secrecy. Seek support. Offer hope that alternatives are available, do not offer glib reassurance; it only proves you don’t understand. Take action! Remove means! Get help from individuals or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention. Be Aware of Feelings, Thoughts, and Behaviors