TryAct sooner rather than later
Being direct and honest; talking openly Being positive; encouraging your friend Listen carefully Show empathy, be supportive Taking care of yourself Seeking help from a professional; telling a trusted adult Be available Be patient Express concerns in specific terms Feel confident that your friend can get better Be aware and non-judgmental Asking what you can do to help Trust your instincts Asking questions, be responsive Educate yourself: Learn the warning signs Pay attention Take talk of suicide very seriously Be natural, be yourself Inviting your friend out for walks, activities and fun Remind your friend there is hope |
AvoidWaiting to see if your friend feels better
Acting shocked Being critical, skeptical or dismissive Agreeing to keep secrets Being patronizing or overpowering Lecturing Taking over your friend's life Responding negatively Avoiding the concern or issue Judging your friend Giving up or getting discouraged Getting defensive or angry Telling your friend to 'snap out of it' Ignoring your friend's concerns Suggesting you have all the answers Being afraid of being wrong Joking about the situation Asking "why" Overextending yourself Trying to diagnose your friend Managing the situation alone |