Current Suicidal Behaviour: Has the person already taken action to harm themselves?
If yes, and they won't agree to seeking help, you will need to contact Emergency Services on their behalf. See Emergency contact information.
Has the person been using drugs or alcohol?
If yes, then this could impair their judgement and increase the risk of the person to act on impulse.
Suicide Plan:
Ask whether the person has a plan. If they do:
- Is the plan very detailed?
- Do they have access to the means to carry it out?
- Have they got a timeframe for carrying it out? – Is it immediate?
Prior Attempts: Ask whether the person has ever attempted suicide before.
Attempts by family members or friends: Have any of the person's relatives or friends ever attempted or completed suicide?
The more of these questions the person answers 'Yes' to, the higher the immediate risk.
If you have any uncertainty, please don't hesitate to seek further information from professionals with expertise in this area, such as your local Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team (CATT) or Suicide Line.
Should I keep their plans to myself?
- Avoid secrecy pacts – the outcome could be fatal.
- Be firm about your intentions to involve others if they won't.
- Tell them that you are taking what they say very seriously and that you can't keep this crisis to yourself.
Don't try to deal with this situation alone – you need to look after yourself by sharing the responsibility. See Looking after yourself.
Encourage them to get professional help and support them to do so.
It is better if the suicidal person is involved in this process as much as possible, as it is important for the person to take an active role in resolving their suicidal crisis.
If they don't agree to seek professional help and the immediate risk is high, you will need to contact Emergency Services on their behalf. See Emergency contact information.
What if they don't want to talk to a professional?
If the person doesn't want to talk to a professional and their immediate risk is lower, work with them to identify other supports such as:
- Parents
- Family
- Friends
- Teachers
- Colleagues