Addressing suicidal risk

Last updated on August 31st, 2025 at 07:16 am

It is worth asking directly about suicidal thoughts. The most important thing is not to leave a suicidal person alone with their feelings, thoughts and actions. It is worth seeking help together.

What warning signs in someone else’s behavior may indicate suicidality?

The other person’s behavior may gradually change, such as becoming withdrawn, feeling tired or irritable, drinking more alcohol, or sleeping less or more. You may notice that your loved one is not behaving the same way as before.

Especially if the other person starts to suggest that nothing matters, that it would be the same if I died, or that there is just too much of everything now, these are warning signs that you should start to react and ask if everything is okay. A strong feeling of hopelessness and being at a dead end may also be warning signs of a suicidal crisis.

What is a good way to bring up suicidality?

If you are concerned, the right way is to ask directly. For example, you can ask: “Are you having suicidal thoughts?” In addition to the question, it is good to state that I am worried about you, or to ask if I can help you in any way.

We are often afraid to ask. However, we usually know our loved ones well and know how to approach them.

The most important thing is to calm down first, and calm down to listen to the other person’s response.

What to do if a loved one is having suicidal thoughts?

If we hear that someone else is having suicidal thoughts, it is natural that we may be scared or startled. However, it is good to calm down first and listen to what they want to say and how they feel. It is important not to invalidate or reject the other person’s thoughts or feelings so that the conversation remains safe.

We do not have to solve anyone’s problems. The most important thing is that we are present, we are interested, and we do not leave the person who is in trouble at that moment alone. It helps that we support the other person through difficult moments and situations.

A suicidal person easily thinks that they are alone with their problems, and that no one hears or understands. In such cases, just being on someone’s mind can help them get through a difficult situation.

At the end of the discussion, it is a good idea to consider together where your loved one can get professional help for suicidal thoughts. You should encourage your loved one to seek help and, if necessary, help them take the first step. If your loved one has strong suicidal thoughts or intentions, you should refer them to the emergency room or call emergency services.

What is going wrong?

It is worth paying attention to not blaming the other person, not trying to cheer them up, and not avoiding the answer by saying, “I had a really bad time too.” Focus specifically on the person who is telling their own story and feelings.

The most important thing is not to ignore the other person’s feelings or story.

Getting angry or belittling them does not make the other person feel any better; on the contrary, it can increase their pain, and they may never come back to the matter and tell anyone about it.

Where can you get help?

You can first discuss seeking help with a friend or loved one. Is it enough to just talk, or should we contact, for example, a school nurse or occupational health care provider, should we go to a psychiatric outpatient clinic or health center, or is the situation so dangerous that it is better to go straight to the emergency room?

If the situation is not quite acute and there is no direct danger, you can say, is it okay for me to call you tomorrow, let’s talk more tomorrow, let’s meet in a couple of days.

How do you know that it is urgent to seek help?

If you notice that the other person is really agitated and a little confused, then the situation is urgent. Then the first thing to do is call the emergency center and ask what to do now. You can also tell the other person that you want to go to the emergency room together.

If you notice that someone has already done something to themselves, for example taken medication or cut themselves, then call the emergency center and ask for an ambulance. Transfer the action and responsibility to professional personnel. But you can also go together with someone else to get help.

The most important thing is not to leave the suicidal person alone with their emotions,