How to Talk to Someone Who May Be Experiencing Suicidal Thoughts

When someone you care about is experiencing suicidal thoughts, knowing what to say can feel overwhelming. You may worry about making things worse or saying the wrong thing. You do not need to have all the answers. Being willing to listen, take their feelings seriously, and help them connect with support can make an important difference.

Start With a Direct Conversation

If you are concerned about someone, it is okay to ask directly if they are experiencing suicidal thoughts. You can say something simple like, “I’ve noticed you’ve been having a difficult time. Are you thinking about suicide?”

Being direct does not mean being harsh. Approach the conversation calmly and give the person space to respond.

Listen Without Judgment

When someone shares that they are experiencing suicidal thoughts, focus on listening rather than immediately trying to fix the situation.

Avoid telling them to simply look on the bright side or suggesting that they have no reason to feel the way they do. Instead, let them know you hear them and that you take their feelings seriously.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline recommends being direct, listening without judgment, staying connected, and helping the person find appropriate support.

Help Them Connect With Support

You are not expected to provide therapy or handle a crisis by yourself. Encourage the person to connect with a mental health professional, trusted family member, or another appropriate source of support.

If they are already receiving care, you can encourage them to reach out to their therapist or treatment provider. If you are unsure whether therapy may be appropriate, resources such as our guide on knowing when it may be time to talk to someone can be a helpful starting point.

If you believe someone may be in immediate danger, do not leave them alone. Contact emergency services or seek immediate professional help.

Crisis Resources

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

For additional crisis support:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, confidential, 24/7 support. You can also contact 988 if you are concerned about someone else.

• Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line: Call or text 833-773-2445 for 24/7 help connecting with mental health and substance use treatment services.

• Rhode Island BH Link: Call 401-414-5465 for 24/7 behavioral health crisis support and connections to care. Rhode Island residents can also call or text 988.

Wellness for Our Future also provides emergency intervention resources for individuals and families who need immediate crisis support.

You Don't Have to Get It Perfect 

You may not know exactly what to say, and that's okay. Sometimes the most important thing you can offer is a calm presence, a willingness to listen, and help connecting someone with the support they need.

At Wellness for Our Future, we provide culturally responsive, evidence-based therapy services throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. If you or someone you care about needs ongoing mental health support, contact us to learn more about our therapy services.

Wellness for Our Future

📞 Call us at (781) 817-3956🌐 Visit www.wellnessfof.org📧 Email us at inquiry@wellnessfof.org