You do not need a perfect speech. Use one sentence, listen to the answer, stay with the person, and bring in more support.
If there is immediate physical danger, an active attempt, or a medical emergency, contact emergency services immediately.
What you can do now
Take these steps in order.
1
Name what you noticed without judgment.
2
Ask directly: “Are you thinking about suicide?”
3
If the answer is yes, maybe, silence, or uncertainty, stay and contact 988 together.
Words you can use
Copy, send, or say this:
“I care about you. I have noticed you seem overwhelmed and unlike yourself. Are you thinking about suicide? You will not be alone with this—we can get help together.”
Start the conversation
“I have noticed you have been pulling away. What has been hardest lately?”
“You said everyone would be better without you. Are you thinking about suicide?”
“I may not know the perfect thing to say, but I am here and I want to understand.”
If they say yes—or you are not sure
“Thank you for telling me. I am staying with you.”
“What feels most dangerous right now?”
“Do you have access right now to anything you could use to hurt yourself?”
“Let’s call or text 988 together and decide the next safe step.”
If they say no but you remain worried
Stay curious rather than arguing. Say, “I hear you. I am still concerned because of what I have noticed. Who else can we bring in today?” For a child or teenager, involve a safe parent, guardian, school mental-health professional, or other responsible adult.
Avoid these common responses
Do not debate whether their life is good.
Do not use guilt, shame, threats, or shock.
Do not promise secrecy.
Do not make a no-suicide promise the entire safety plan.
Do not leave a person alone when immediate danger may be present.
Make a warm handoff
A warm handoff means staying while the next support connects: call or text 988 together, contact a clinician or trusted adult, help with transportation, and confirm who will remain with the person. Contact emergency services for an active attempt, urgent medical need, or immediate physical danger.
Before you step away
Another responsible person knows what is happening.
Dangerous items and places have been addressed with professional guidance.
The next call, appointment, or evaluation is clear.
A specific person will check in again and knows when.
Common questions
Clear answers for the next decision.
Will asking about suicide put the idea in someone’s head?
No. Direct, calm questions can make it easier for a person to tell the truth and begin receiving support.
Can I call 988 about someone else?
Yes. You can call or text 988 for guidance when you are worried about another person.
Should I promise to keep this secret?
No. Explain that you will respect privacy but cannot keep danger secret, and involve only the people needed to help with safety.
Qualified review pending — not clinically endorsed. A licensed youth mental-health clinician and a suicide-prevention specialist must review this page.
Last editorial update
August 11, 2026
Review schedule
Initial qualified review required before broad promotion
Editorial status
Cited editorial guidance. It is not clinically endorsed. A licensed youth mental-health clinician and a suicide-prevention specialist must review this page.
