Identifying suicidal intent and how to respond

When a friend or loved one expresses suicidal intent, oftentimes we don’t know what to do. It’s important to take every threat seriously and understand what your friend or loved one may be feeling.

They may have a genuine belief that they have become a burden to those around them. They may have a strong sense of isolation and hopelessness. Additionally, they may have the ability or the means to end their life.

Suicidal intent might sound like:

• “I feel like a burden” • “I have nothing to live for” • “I’d be better off dead”

Suicidal intent might look like:

• Sudden, increased social isolation • Giving away material possessions and pets • Dramatic shifts in mood or behavior • Engaging in risky behavior or increased substance use • Possessing lethal means (medications, weapons, tools) • A preoccupation with death or dying • Saying goodbye

How to respond to a threat of suicide:

1. Take the threat seriously.

2. Validate the persons fears and emotions. “You must be feeling very scared, please let me help you.”

3. Confirm their plan to end their life. “I want to understand what you’re saying...”

4. Call emergency support and stay with the person until help arrives.

The core instinct of all living things is to live. Those contemplating suicide may have such a significant imbalance that their most basic and core drive is no longer functioning.

To them, suicide is not a selfish option, as their brain chemistry may lead them to believe the world would be much better off without them in it.