How to Help Someone in Need

A common healthy reaction to someone expressing suicidal thoughts or decisions is QPR, a training that helps lives be saved daily. QPR stands for…
 

Question:

Ask a question along the guidelines of “are you having suicidal thoughts?” The importance of this question is mainly because of its directness. Frequently people will ignore the issues they have boiling up inside them, so oftentimes this question can bring light to the issue for not only yourself but the person who is being asked.
 

Persuade:

Persuade is essentially expressing to the person their importance and how much they matter. This can sound something like, “You are a very important, special and beautiful person, and I want you to live!” Make sure to once again address the issue, don't tip toe around it. Saying, “I want you to live,” is a good way of addressing the fact that the consequences for suicide are permanent.
 

Refer:

Referring is simply bringing this person to a counselor, teacher, or trusted adult as listed below. Before doing this, try and explain what you think the person should do and try to guide them to an adult. Do not do this forcefully and be open to talking further through the person's feelings. Referring should not be forceful at all.

*It’s important that you notify an adult right away if you have concerns about yourself or someone else. Get more details on our Crisis Contact Information web page.

 

If you cannot address the root of a problem or help someone to improve their mental health over time, you can give them assistance and support in the moment or during negative situations. You can use these strategies in a variety of ways and situations. Remember, if you or someone you know is in need of immediate support, utilize the information on this page under “Who to Report a Concern to”.