Communication is the Best Prevention
Suicide has an impact on everyone. It can be a difficult and uncomfortable topic to talk about. Starting the conversation is never easy, but it could be lifesaving for someone experiencing crisis. Talking about suicide helps dispel misinformation and creates a safe environment to ask questions. Research has shown that talking about suicide does not put ideas in someone’s head or lead to suicide.
Whether you are bringing up the subject with family or a friend, it is important to time the conversation correctly. It is a conversation that should never be rushed or at a time that is only convenient for you. When someone is down or not acting completely like themselves, they are more likely to decline the questions and concern. Take note of their actions and behaviors, then follow up with them when they are having a good day and are in a more talkative mood. However, if you are concerned about immediate safety, act quickly and be sure to let the person know that you are bringing it up because you are concerned about them, then allow them to express how they are feeling to determine whether their thoughts are different than what you believe.
How to Begin
- Ask specific and direct questions about their mental health and suicide.
- Having a face-to-face conversation with the individual might feel a little scary. It is okay to reach out through a text or phone call. Your loved one may even feel more comfortable if you aren’t directly in front of them. If they aren’t comfortable talking to you about it, you can recommend they talk to another relative, counselor, or coworker about their mental health.
- If they open up to you about having suicidal thoughts, remain calm. You may send the wrong message if you appear panicked or nervous about what they just told you. Expressing these emotions may make them feel that they have to navigate this on their own. Opening up means that they are looking for help, support, and guidance through this difficult time.
- After they tell you what they are feeling, ask what you can do to help. They may not know, so it could be helpful if you offer assistance in finding a therapist or other professional and resources that can support them.
- Be sure to keep your loved one connected. Being isolated with thoughts of suicide can be dangerous and scary. Make sure they know that you love them and you are here to support them.
If you are unsure how to start the conversation, here are some things you can ask or say:
- Hey, I’ve noticed you haven’t been yourself lately. How are you feeling or what are you thinking about?
- It seems like you’ve been struggling lately. Are you comfortable sharing what’s been going on?
- What you are going through and feeling sounds difficult, but I am here for you, and we can solve this problem together.
- Have you experienced these feelings before? How have you managed them in the past?
If someone tells you they are experiencing thoughts of suicide, take them seriously and connect them with support immediately. You can call the free 988 suicide and crisis lifeline for 24/7 support from mental health professionals.
Sources:
Communication, M. and. (2025, January 29). How to talk to your child about suicide: An age-by-age guide. University of Utah Health | University of Utah Health. healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2022/09/how-talk-your-child-about-suicide-age-age-guide
Talking about suicide – the conversation that could end up saving a life. University of Utah Health | University of Utah Health. (2025, January 29).
healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2021/09/talking-about-suicide-conversation-could-end-saving-life
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the US for people ages 10-34. There is no single cause for someone experiencing thoughts of suicide. Although anyone can experience a suicidal crisis, people experiencing depression, anxiety, other mental health conditions, and substance use disorders are at higher risk. Other risk factors include:
- Aggressive personality traits, mood changes, prolonged stress, and poor relationships
- Traumatic brain injury
- Access to firearms and drugs
- Stressful events—divorce, financial crisis, and other life transitions
- Bipolar disorder
- Childhood abuse, trauma, and neglect
Recognizing the warning signs of suicide can help you identify when someone may be struggling and give you an opportunity to offer support. Knowing what to look for and being willing to start a conversation could make a difference and may even help save a life. Warning signs can occur at any time, but they often appear after a loss, major change, or difficult event.
Verbal cues:
- Talks about killing themselves or wanting to die
- Expresses feelings of hopelessness
- Says they have no reason to live
- Feels like a burden to others
Behavioral signs:
- Increases use of alcohol and drugs
- Begins withdrawing from activities
- Chooses to isolate themselves from friends and family
- Sleeps more or less than usual
Changes in mood:
- Depression or anxiety
- Loss of interest
- Irritability or agitation
- Feelings of humiliation, shame or guilt
Don’t ignore these warning signs. Check in, listen without judgment, and encourage the person to seek professional help. Your support is invaluable; strong connections and healthy coping skills play an important role in reducing risk of suicide and supporting well-being. The following protective factors can help reduce the risk of suicide:
- Strong connections with family, friends, and community
- Access to mental health care and support
- Developing healthy coping skills
- Having a sense of belonging and purpose
- Feeling connected at work, school or community
- Limited access to lethal means
Recognizing warning signs and strengthening protective factors are important parts of suicide prevention. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or suicide crisis, call or text 988 for free, confidential support, available 24/7.
Sources:
Suicide prevention: Recognizing the red flags. University of Utah Health | University of Utah Health. (2025a, January 29).
healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2022/09/suicide-prevention-recognizing-red-flags
Risk factors, protective factors, and warning signs. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (2026, May 14).
afsp.org/risk-factors-protective-factors-and-warning-signs/
The Importance of Social Connection
By nature, we are social creatures, meant for personal connection. Yet we live in a world where many people feel isolated, lonely, and insignificant. These feelings can be detrimental to our mental health and may increase the risk of illness, anxiety, depression, and dementia.
What does loneliness really mean? The Harvard School of Public Health defines it as, “a gap between the social connections we have and the ones we want to have.” Loneliness isn’t about how many friends you have, but rather how meaningful your relationships with those friends are. Fortunately, there are steps we can take to close the gap and strengthen our connections with others.
Genuine social connections can support your mental health, feelings of belonging, and sense of purpose. Strong relationships provide a support system you can rely on when a life event or challenge is too difficult to bear on your own. While technology has made it easier than ever to communicate, we still have a fundamental need for deep, personal connection with others.
Small actions can make a lasting impact. You can start today by calling a friend, sharing a meal with someone, or doing an act of service. Consider joining a club or group, and set a goal to cultivate connections in your life. Prioritizing social connection is an investment in your well-being. Doing so will help you feel happier, healthier, and more secure knowing that you have people in your life you can trust.
