Suicide Threats – Do’s & Don’ts
DO’S & DON’TS WITH A SUICIDE THREAT
DO:
1. stay calm
2. talk to him – listen
– don’t try to “talk” him out of how he is feeling
– don’t try to cheer him up
– show concern
– reassure person you know how to get help
– ascertain how well thought out the plans are (fleeting thoughts of suicide are
common – well thought out plans need to be taken seriously)
3. get mental health help
4. have someone with the young person at all times
5. remove dangerous items
DON’T:
1. assume the person is “just trying to get attention”
2. promise that you won’t tell anyone
3. tell the person how to feel
4. try to argue someone out of feeling suicidal
5. say “that’s dumb” or “snap out of it”
6. challenge the person to “go ahead and do it”
Attempts frequently occur after a conflict or stressful event
– these events do not cause an attempt
– they make teen more vulnerable
An attempt can be a “turning point”
(an opportunity for change)
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