How to ask someone about suicidal thoughts?

Before asking someone if they are feeling suicidal, we recommend taking the Zero Suicide Alliance Training. It takes around 20 minutes, and will teach you the basic skills about having potentially life-saving conversations. 

Asking the question?

There's no easy way to ask - "are you thinking about suicide?" but if you're worried that someone might be considering ending their life- it's ok to ask them exactly that:

"Are you thinking about suicide?"

When you are direct, you can be honest about why you are concerned. Tell them what prompted you to ask the question so they know your concerns are genuine:

"I've noticed you've been quite withdrawn recently"

Reassure them that they can be open with you:

"Sometimes people who feel the way you are feeling are thinking about suicide. Are you thinking about suicide? It's OK to tell me."

After they have disclosed that they are feeling suicidal, there are different steps you can take to ensure they are safe, depending on whether they are in immediate danger of hurting themselves, or whether they are experiencing thoughts which they are not in immediate danger of acting on.

Find out what to do next : How can I help someone stay safe?