• Trust your instincts that the person may be in trouble.
• Communication needs to include mostly listening.
• Talk with the person about your concerns.

Ask direct questions without being judgmental, such as:

• "Are you thinking about killing yourself?"
• "Have you ever tried to end your life?"
• "Do you think you might try to kill yourself today?"

Determine if the person has a specific plan to carry out the suicide. The more detailed the plan, the greater the risk:

• "Die by suicide?"
• "Have you thought about ways that you might kill yourself?"
• "Do you have pills/weapons in the house?"

• Do not leave the person alone.
• Do not swear to secrecy.
• Do not act shocked or judgmental.
• Do not counsel the person yourself .
• Get professional help, even if the person resists.