Asking About a Suicide
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Prioritize your safety:
When supporting someone in a crisis, it is essential for you to prioritize your own safety throughout your intervention. Be aware of your surroundings and the behavior of the person who is experiencing the crisis. If at any time you feel unsafe, you can remove yourself from the situation and seek assistance from trained professionals, such as your local mobile crisis team, the crisis hotline, or 911 emergency services.
When you are concerned about a person at risk, it is important to ask them directly about suicide.
- Be straightforward:
- Are you thinking about killing yourself?
- You seem very unhappy. Are you wishing you were dead?
- Has the idea of suicide been on your mind?
- Ask about any suicide plans (the more detailed the plan, the greater the risk):
- Have you thought of ways you might take your life?
- Ask if they have harmed themselves in the past.
- Ask about current resources:
- Is there anyone in your life who is a real support to you right now?
- Who do you really trust?
Check your knowledge:
Do you or someone you know need help now?- For medical emergencies, dial 911.
- If you or someone you know is in crisis, visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or call 1-800-273-8255.
- For support resources for UBalt students, faculty, and staff, visit the Office of Student Support or call the Student Assistance Program at 1-800-327-2251.
