If you believe someone may be in immediate danger or may hurt themselves, call emergency services right away. In the U.S., you can also call or text 988 for 24/7 crisis support, or text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line [1].

When someone you care about seems overwhelmed, withdrawn, hopeless, or says things that make you worry they may be thinking about suicide, it can be hard to know what to do. You may worry about saying the wrong thing. But reaching out with calm, direct support can make a real difference.

Start by Taking Your Concern Seriously

A crisis does not always look obvious. Someone may appear quiet, angry, exhausted, numb, or unusually calm. They may talk about feeling like a burden, having no future, or not wanting to be here anymore.

If your instinct tells you something is wrong, do not ignore it. It is better to check in and be wrong than to stay silent when someone needs help.

Ask Directly and Compassionately

It is okay to ask about suicide directly. You do not have to use perfect words. What matters most is that you ask clearly, calmly, and without judgment.

You might say:

• “I’ve noticed you seem really overwhelmed. Are you thinking about suicide?”
• “Are you feeling like you might hurt yourself?”
• “Are you having thoughts of killing yourself right now?” [1]

The attached NIMH ASQ Suicide Risk Screening Toolkit includes direct questions about whether someone has wished they were dead, felt their family would be better off if they were dead, had thoughts about killing themselves, or had ever tried to kill themselves before [1].

If They Say Yes, Stay With Them and Get Help

If someone says they are thinking about killing themselves right now, treat it as urgent. Do not leave them alone. Stay calm, stay with them if it is safe to do so, and contact immediate support.

You can:

• Call or text 988
• Call emergency services if there is immediate danger
• Go with them to an emergency room or crisis center
• Contact a trusted family member, caregiver, counselor, doctor, or mental health professional
• Remove or secure dangerous objects nearby if you can do so safely

The ASQ toolkit notes that current thoughts of killing oneself indicate imminent risk and require immediate safety evaluation; it also advises keeping the person in sight and removing dangerous objects from the room in an acute-risk situation [1].

If They Say No, Still Offer Support

If the person says they are not thinking about suicide right now, but you are still worried, continue to support them. Encourage them to speak with a counselor, therapist, doctor, crisis line, or trusted support person.

You might say:

• “I’m really glad you told me.”
• “You don’t have to handle this alone.”
• “Can we call someone together?”
• “Can I stay with you for a while or check in again tonight?”

Sometimes people are not ready to talk fully. Your steady presence can help them feel less alone.

What Not to Do

Try not to:

• Dismiss their feelings
• Tell them they are overreacting
• Promise to keep suicidal thoughts a secret
• Argue, shame, or lecture them
• Leave them alone if you believe they may be in immediate danger

Instead, listen, stay calm, and focus on getting support.

Download the Suicide Screening Toolkit

For additional guidance, download the attached suicide screening resource.

Download the Suicide Screening Toolkit PDF