Asking does not plant an idea in someone’s head. It provides relief and opens the door to communication.
Do you have thoughts of killing yourself?
When you say that, I feel concerned. “Are you thinking about suicide?
Who do you trust that you’d like to talk to?
Can I go with you to get help?
What are Warning Signs of Suicide?
These are indications that the person is in severe psychological pain. They may not signal an immediate emergency but the person does need help.
The most important thing is: If someone is in physical pain we would try to take action to heal or decrease it. If someone is in pain emotionally, we should also offer resources that can help. They may include medication, seeing a professional, learning skills to decrease anxiety, self-care, coping and reaching out for help, support groups, nutritional support and physical activity. There are many ways to offer help. Asking, checking in, and talking about mental health challenges, disordered thinking or mental illness is OK.