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LOOK
Your friend probably won’t say “I’m going to kill myself”,
but they may give hints such as:
- Fascination with death or suicide.
- Withdrawing from friends and family.
- A feeling of hopelessness.
- Trouble concentrating.
- Giving away special belongings.
- Not sleeping or sleeping all the time.
- Extreme changes in eating habits.
- Intense changes in behavior.
LISTEN
- Talking about it won’t make your friend attempt suicide. Let your
friend know you care by taking him or her seriously.
- Tell your friend that, although right now suicide seems like one way to
respond to a problem, there are always other ways.
- With help, alternatives can be found!
- Listen to feelings, not just words.
- Recognize that your friend is crying out for help by asking you to keep
the suicide plan a “secret”.
ACT
- Discuss it openly and frankly. Which is more important, your friendship
or your friend’s life?
- Show interest and support. When someone is considering suicide, encourage
that person to ask a trusted adult for help.
- Seek adult or professional help. If your friend won’t go to an adult,
YOU go to an adult you trust.
Remember . . . . . . . . . . . . YOU CAN’T DO IT ALONE!!