Managing Emergency Situations
Take these steps if your loved one is threatening to commit suicide or has let you know that he or she is close to acting on a suicidal impulse. If you believe he or she is close to a suicidal act, these steps can help you manage the crisis:
- Take the situation and your loved one seriously. Stay calm, but don't under-react.
- Express concern. Give concrete examples of what leads you to believe the person is close to suicide.
- Listen closely. Maintain eye contact. Use body language such as moving close to the person or holding his or her hand, if appropriate.
- Ask direct questions. Find out if the person has a specific plan for suicide. Determine, if you can, what method of suicide is being considered.
- Acknowledge the person's feelings. Be understanding, not judgmental or argumentative.
- Involve others. Don't try to handle the crisis alone or risk your own health or safety. Call 911 if necessary. Contact the person's doctor, the police, a crisis intervention team or others who are trained to help.
- Offer reassurance. Stress that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Remind your loved one that there is help and things will get better.
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