SUICIDE PREVENTION

How to Ask About Suicide

If you are worried someone may be thinking about suicide, asking directly can open the door to an honest conversation and help connect them with support.

Ask directly

It can feel uncomfortable to bring up suicide, but clear and direct language is important. You do not need special training to ask someone if you are concerned about them.

1. Choose a private moment

If possible, talk somewhere quiet where you can give the person your full attention.

2. Say what you have noticed

You might begin with: “I’ve noticed you’ve been having a really hard time lately, and I’m worried about you.”

3. Use the word suicide

Ask clearly: “Are you thinking about suicide?” Avoid vague phrases such as “Are you thinking about doing something bad?” Direct language makes it easier to understand what the person is experiencing.

4. Listen to the answer

Try not to react with shock, judgment, or arguments. Listen, take them seriously, and let them know you are glad they told you.

5. Help them connect

If they say yes, stay with them and help connect them with crisis support or another trusted person who can help.

Try saying:

“I care about you, and I want to ask you something directly. Are you thinking about suicide?”

If they say yes

Stay with them. Listen. Help reduce immediate danger and connect them with support.

Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

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Keep this guide somewhere easy to find so you have simple, direct language available when you are worried about someone.

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