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  • If your friend mentions suicide or self-harm, take them seriously.

  • If you believe that theyre in danger, call 911 or the Poison Control Center immediately.

  • Your friend’s life is more important than their privacy.

  • WellCasters, have you ever had someone just want to end it all, permanently?

  • It’s never easy to think about or hear.

  • Yes, life can get so complicated and overwhelming. It’s hard to even imagine that things would ever get better again.

  • But most people bounce back.

  • Unfortunately, some don’t.

  • Suicide is a tragedy that affects everyone, and it’s one of the leading causes of death for people 24 and younger.

  • Here’s what to do if you suspect your friend who might be having thoughts of suicide.

  • Tip 1: Learn to recognize dangerous signs.

  • Has your friend talked about feeling hopeless or anxious?

  • Have you noticed the change in your friend's behavior acting withdrawn, sleeping less, sleeping a lot more?

  • Maybe theyre abusing alcohol or drugs.

  • Giving away their belongings.

  • Maybe your friend has even talked about hurting themselves or worse, wanting to die.

  • For a complete checklist of suspect behaviors, pause and print out our worksheet.

  • Tip 2: Initiate dialogue in a non-judgmental way.

  • Sit your friend down in a comfortable or a familiar environment where the two of you can talk privately and freely.

  • Start by telling your friend how much you care about them, but some other behaviors have concerned you.

  • Refer to our worksheet for ideas on how this conversation might flow.

  • If you determine that your friend is in danger and that they need help immediately, please call 911.

  • Household items like pills or razor blades, they quickly become lethal weapons in the hands of a suicidal person.

  • Tip 3: React with feeling.

  • If your friend does confide in your thoughts on suicide, be compassionate and make it known that youre there to listen.

  • Don’t aim to change their mind.

  • Start an argument or give advice.

  • Many people who attempt suicide don’t actually wanna die.

  • They just want their suffering to end and suicide seems like the only avenue.

  • Engage in conversation with your friend and find out what’s hurting him.

  • Tip 4: Shift the focus from sources of pain to resources for treatment.

  • In addition to external challenges, your friend might also be fighting internal demons that require professional care.

  • Depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders are often present in the suicidal.

  • Many of these illnesses can be diagnosed and treated.

  • Encourage your friend to seek help and offer to work with them to locate a mental health professional or clinic.

  • We strongly recommend looping their family members into this process.

  • Tip 5: Lastly, stay connected.

  • Even after your friend has sought help, he seems to be on the path to healing.

  • Encourage other friends, roommates, and family members to check in on your friend during this vulnerable time.

  • This is an especially important step since many suicides occur in a period of a parent improvement.

  • Listen, this video is a starting point.

  • Please do your own independent research to identify more resources.

  • But here are few we recommend.

  • You can save a life just by reaching out to someone who’s in need.

  • Well, that's all for me today, WellCasters.

  • Would you do me a kindness?

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  • See you later!

If your friend mentions suicide or self-harm, take them seriously.

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