There are actions you can take to help prevent suicide.
- Take the warning signs seriously. See How to Help for a list of warning signs
- Reach out. Show your concern. Expressing genuine concern is more important than saying the right thing. If you’re not sure what to say, ask more questions: “What’s been going on that has you feeling this way?” “I want to understand. Can you tell me more?”
- Ask if the person is thinking about suicide. Be direct. Be persistent and sensitive to solicit an answer: “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?”
- Convey hope to the person who is struggling. Hope is the best defense against suicide. Avoid telling them why they should live, such as telling them to think about their family or their loved ones. Instead, offer hope for getting help: “I can see this has been really painful for you. Let’s call someone who can help,” or “I know you feel hopeless right now. Most people who feel this way eventually feel better. Let’s call someone together.”
- Listen and accept the person's feelings calmly and without judgment: “It sounds like you have been going through a really hard time,” or “I can see this has been really hard on you.”.
- Know the resources at the University of Louisville and in our community.
- Offer to go with the person for help: “Let’s call someone together,” or “I’d love to walk/ride along with you, if that’s okay with you.”
- Stay with the person. Find someone else who can help, such as family, friends, the Dean of Students Office, the Counseling Center, a resident advisor or campus security.
- There are actions you can take to help prevent suicide.