Means Reduction

What to Say to Someone Who May be Suicidal

Are you worried someone you know is thinking of suicide but you’re not sure what to do?
Here are 6 things to say and do to try and keep them safe:

  1. Ask directly about their suicidal feelings. Talking about suicide is the first step to preventing suicide!
  2. Let them know you care.
  3. Keep them away from anything that may cause harm such as guns, pills, ropes, knives, vehicles etc.
  4. Stay with them (eyes on at all times) and get a professional involved.
  5. Offer a message of hope – Let them know you will assist them in getting help.
  6. Connect them with help:
    1. Alaska Careline: 877-266-4357 text 4help: 839863
    2. Crisis Text for Life: 741741
    3. Alaska Suicide Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) (press “1” for veterans)
    4. Visit the Juneau mental Health Directory at juneaumentalhealth.org
    5. If in an imminent crisis please go to the emergency department; or emergencies dial 911

Shared by the Juneau Suicide Prevention Coalition with permission from NAMI New Hampshire

National Shooting Sports Foundation

National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Safety Mission: “Whether you’re a new gun owner in search of training, or an experienced marksman looking to support others, being safe with firearms is your responsibility.”
Website: nssf.org/safety
Location: 11 Mile Hill Road • Newtown, CT
Phone: 203.426.1320

Other Resources

  1. 30 second video of a man at a shooting range who talks about safely storing his firearm when he was depressed
  2. CALM (Counseling on Access to Lethal Means), a free on-line course from the Suicide Prevention Resource Center designed for providers who counsel people at risk for suicide
  3. Information from the New Hampshire Firearms Safety Coalition
  4. Five plus minute video of a gun dealer talking with a non-suicidal gun purchaser about the importance of means reduction for suicidal persons
  5. Means Matter website from Harvard School of Public Health, a compendium of information on means reduction in the following topical areas: Means Matter Basics; Basic Suicide Facts; Lethal Means Counseling; Taking Action; Gun Owners; FAQ’s; Statewide Programs; Bridges and Suicide; Means Restriction in the News; and Resources.
  6. Oregon Firearms Safety Information
    1. Guide for health care providers: Addressing Firearm Safety in Your Suicidal Patient
    2. Guide for patients who may be suicidal: People Who Love Guns, Love You
  7. 2012 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention: See Strategic Direction 2, Goal 6: Promote efforts to reduce access to lethal means among individuals with identified suicide risk
  8. How to Talk About Guns and Suicide, a Ted Talk by a Colorado doctor about asking suicidal persons if they have access to a gun