How to Recognize a Friend in Need, and How to Help
What Can You Do to Help a Friend?
1. Know the warning signs! Read over the list on the infographic! 2. Do not be afraid to talk to your friends. Listen to their feelings. Make sure they know how important they are to you, but don't believe you can keep them from hurting themselves on your own. Preventing suicide will require help from adults. 3. Make no deals. Never keep secret a friend's suicidal plans or thoughts. You cannot promise that you will not tell-you have to tell to save your friend! 4. Tell an adult. Talk to your parent, your friend's parent, your school's psychologist or counselor-- any trusted adult. Don't wait! Don't be afraid that the adults will not believe you or take you seriously-keep talking until they listen! Even if you are not sure your friend is suicidal, talk to someone. This is definitely the time to be safe, not sorry! 5. Utilize your school's crisis model. Notifying an adult at your school will activate the crisis model to help your friend in need. This model helps teachers and staff recognize warning signs of suicide as well as how to help in a crisis situation. |
Sources:
“Save a Friend: Tips for Teens to Prevent Suicide.” National Association of School Psychologists, National Association of School Psychologists, 2015, www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-safety-and-crisis/mental-health-resources/preventing-youth-suicide/save-a-friend-tips-for-teens-to-prevent-suicide.
“Save a Friend: Tips for Teens to Prevent Suicide.” National Association of School Psychologists, National Association of School Psychologists, 2015, www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-safety-and-crisis/mental-health-resources/preventing-youth-suicide/save-a-friend-tips-for-teens-to-prevent-suicide.