Suicidal Thoughts
Suicidal Thoughts
If you think a person might harm themselves, try to get them to talk to you. Ask open-ended questions to encourage the person to explain their feelings.
Action
- Ask the person how they feel and why they feel that way.
- Ask if they have suicidal thoughts.
- Assess the risk – has the person told you they have made plans to take their own life?
- Listen to the individual in a non-judgmental way. If the person has made definite plans for suicide, tell them you are going to ask for help and call 999/112.
- If these warning signs are not present, encourage them to seek professional help from their GP or to contact a 24 hour helpline such as Samaritans.
Signposting
As a first aider you are not a trained counsellor and will need to refer the person to the professional services that can help.
Call 999/112 if plans are definite, alternatively call 111, or refer the person to their GP.
24 helplines include: Samaritans: 116 123
24 hour Text line: Text SHOUT to 85258
