Article: It is a myth that you are "putting the idea in their heads." If someone displays the warning signs of suicide, you need to talk to them. You need to be simple and direct, asking them if there is any chance that they hurt themselves. You need to have an open conversation about suicide, as hard as that may be. Some good ways to ask include: "Have you considered hurting yourself?" "Do you know how you would do it?" "Are you planning on committing suicide?" You cannot, and should not, shoulder this burden alone. Even if your friends swears you to secrecy, you need to break the oath and let someone know. This person can be a hotline staff member, a counselor, or a trusted adult. You need to enlist the support of trained, responsible people who can help your friend far better than you can. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) to talk through this difficult time and find strategies for helping someone. If you'd be more comfortable messaging someone, connect with a trained crisis counselor by texting the Crisis Text line at 741741 in the US. If you're in Canada, the number is 686868, and in the UK the number is 85258. Push them to call a hotline, see a counselor/therapist, or join a support group. Help them see that there is no stigma to therapy, and that there is no reason to feel ashamed of getting help. You need to get them talking to someone about their thoughts, and mental health experts are trained to help prevent tragedies like this. Offer to support them through their therapy. Join them at appointments, help them do research, and/or drive them to and from meetings. Ask the person what they enjoy doing and what helps them to feel relaxed. This might include a special interest, hobby, or doing something calming, such as taking a long bath. Encourage them to make time for these activities as part of a regular self-care routine and let them know that this may help them to relieve stress, develop more resilience, and feel better in general.For example, they could set aside 30 minutes daily to go bird watching if that's something they enjoy, or designate the last hour before bedtime as their bath and beauty hour where they draw a luxurious bath and take their time relaxing. If, in response to your question "do you know how you'd do it?" you get a response, you should not leave their side. If they have a plan in place, then they are far down the road of suicidal thoughts and should have constant support. If you do need to leave them, and they do not seem likely to commit suicide soon, you should still get them to talk to someone, even if just over the phone, before you go. This is another reason you 'must tell other people that they are considering suicide. A big support system is one of the best ways to prevent a tragedy. Take away any weapons, blades, or prescription drugs. In addition, keep them away from alcohol and other drugs, as these can influence people to act in ways they may not sober. Enlist other friends or family members to help you keep an eye out for dangerous objects and get them out of the way.

What is a summary?
Ask if they consider killing themselves. Talk to a professional. Suggest different people for them to see for therapy. Encourage them to practice regular self-care. Stay with them if you are worried that suicide may be imminent. Remove dangerous substances and items from their houses.