Warning signs

The person is:

• depressed
• increasingly isolated
• giving away prized possessions
• doing poorly in school or at work
• making statements about wanting to die
• acting in an aggressive manner
• taking unnecessary risks
• threatening to commit suicide
• suddenly happy for no reason after a long depression
• abusing drugs and/or alcohol

More than one sign could mean that help is necessary. Note how long the signs have been present - how deeply the person feels about the things going wrong in his/her life, and how many signs are present at one time.

What you can do to help a depressed or suicidal person

• Listen to the person with concern
• Ask the person if he/she has ever felt unhappy for a long time and
  assure him/her that things can and will change
• Be especially concerned if the person uses drugs and/or alcohol
  because his or her judgment may be impaired
• Ask if the person has suicidal thoughts
• Give the person the CHIMO Helpline number and make sure the person calls
• Stay with the person and do something together
• If the person is suicidal and refuses to get help, tell a responsible adult
  or someone you trust as soon as possible
• Make specific plans to see the person the next day, so he/she has a reason to live

What to say to a troubled person

• “I’m here for you”
• “I want to hear about what’s bothering you”
• “I really care about you”
• “Let’s talk and figure out how to make things better”
• “Things are tough now, but they will change. You’ve got to hang in there, and I’m here to help”
• “I would feel horrible if you hurt yourself, and I don’t want you to die”
• “If I can’t help you, I’ll help you find someone who can help”
• “No one and nothing is worth taking your life”

Don’t

• Ignore the person
• Put the person down
• Change the subject
• Try to handle it alone if the person doesn’t respond to your efforts to help
• Suggest drugs or alcohol as a solution

In the majority of suicides, drugs and/or alcohol are a factor. Be more vigilant if you know the person is using drugs and/or alcohol to deal with problems.

To get help, contact

• Your local Community Mental Health Centre
• The nearest hospital Emergency Department
• Chimo Helpline (24 hrs) – 1-800-667-5005
• Kids Help Phone – 1-800-668-6868
• 9-1-1 in case of emergency
• RCMP – 1-800-442-9722
• The Canadian Mental Health Association
• Mental Health Outreach Services
• Family physicians
• Local clergy

REMEMBER - If you are concerned that a person is suicidal – listen carefully, stay with him or her, and get professional help as soon as possible.

You cannot take responsibility for another person’s life - the decision is his or her own - you may, however, be able to help the person see other ways of dealing with his or her problems and pain.