How to Help a Friend in Crisis
A simple guide for students, peers, and advocates who want to respond with hope.
Let’s be honest—this isn’t an easy topic.
If you're reading this, it's probably because you’re concerned about someone. Maybe they’ve said something that raised a red flag. Maybe they’ve gone quiet. Maybe you just feel that something’s not right.
Here’s the truth:
You don’t have to have all the answers to make a difference.
You just have to show up.
When someone is thinking about suicide, your presence—your voice—could be the one thing that helps them hold on. Here’s how to do it:
1. Take Them Seriously
If someone hints, jokes, or opens up about wanting to die—believe them.
Don’t brush it off. Don’t wait for more obvious signs.
Your first response should always be: “I hear you. I’m not going anywhere.”
Say this:
“Thanks for telling me. That sounds really heavy—and I want to walk through this with you.”
2. Ask Directly
It might feel awkward, but research shows that asking about suicide does not increase risk—it can actually reduce it.
Try this:
“Are you thinking about suicide?”
“Do you have a plan to hurt yourself?”
You’re not planting the idea—you’re giving them a safe place to say what they’re already feeling.
3. Don’t Keep It a Secret
This is big. Your friend might beg you not to tell anyone.
But their safety matters more than their approval in the moment.
Say this:
“I care too much about you to keep this to myself. I’m going to help you get the support you need.”
Tell a trusted adult right away—a parent, school counselor, coach, teacher, youth leader. If it’s an emergency, call 911 or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
4. Be a Bridge, Not a Fixer
You are not their therapist, and you’re not responsible for saving them.
But you can be a bridge—to help them feel seen, known, and connected to the help they need.
Offer to walk with them to talk to someone. Sit next to them while they make a call. Go with them to a trusted adult.
That’s what courage looks like.
5. Stay Connected
One of the biggest risk factors for suicide is isolation.
After that initial conversation, don’t disappear.
Text them. Invite them out. Check in regularly.
Remind them—they are not alone.
You can say:
“I know things feel heavy right now. Just wanted you to know I’m still here—and I’m not going anywhere.”
You Don’t Need a Degree to Show Up With Compassion.
You just need courage.
Because real friendship doesn’t walk away when things get hard.
If you’re reading this, it means you care.
And that means you’re already more powerful than you think.
Resources to Share or Save:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 anytime.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
BeThe1To.org: Simple steps to help someone in crisis
100ReasonsToStay.com – Hope, tools, and next steps for anyone who needs a reason to hold on.
