Mental Health FAQs

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1. How can I tell if my friend is suicidal?

There are some warning signs you should watch for. A person who is feeling suicidal may:

Say they feel hopeless, helpless or desperate

Behave differently than normal or suddenly lose interest in their appearance

Show signs of depression (turning inward, loss of interest in surroundings, irritability, lack of energy, change in appetite)

Have less interest in school or have declining grades

Lose their cheerful attitude suddenly

Give away prized possessions

Prepare for death (making a will, telling final wishes)

Tell you they want to commit suicide, or talk about death and dying

2. How do I ask if I think someone may be suicidal?

Suicide can be difficult topic to discuss. Some possible conversation starters include:

Have you ever felt like giving up or throwing it all away?

Have you been feeling so bad that you have been considering killing yourself?

That sounds like a lot for any one person to have to go through, has it made you think about killing yourself to escape?

I’m really worried about you; you seem depressed; are you thinking about hurting yourself?

If you have considered suicide in the past you could say something like: “I know when I had a lot going on, I felt like I couldn’t handle it. I thought I’d be better off dead and the world would be a better place without me.”

3. What should I do if my friend is suicidal?

If someone says that they intend to commit suicide you should always take them very seriously. There are some ways you can help them get through this difficult time:

Admit your own concern and ask if there is anything you can do.

Help them contact people who can get them help (DCYHC, a counselor, teacher, parent, relative, or doctor).

Talk to them in a non-judgmental way.

Suggest community resources (DCYHC, the California Youth Crisis Line 1-800-843-5200, your school’s special service counselor).

Make a plan with the person for getting through the next little while.

If your friend doesn’t seek help quickly, talk to an adult you trust and respect about your friend’s suicidality.

If your friend needs immediate help, call 911.