Sections
2. Ways to start a conversation
3. Be there for them in the moment
6. Don’t be afraid to ask if they’re having suicidal thoughts
7. Help the person take their mind off how they’re feeling
8. There’s no quick fix, but in that moment you can save someone’s life
7. Help the person take their mind off how they’re feeling
Sometimes, it can be helpful to distract the person from how they’re feeling or try to get them to think about the good things in their life. But be careful not to dismiss how they’re feeling or make them feel guilty.
I have heard that distraction is good and I agree - making the person think about something that isn't suicide. Then making it clear that you are there for them, making them feel safe.
Member of Samaritans' lived experience panel
Suggestions from people with lived experience
- Ask the person to list things they can see, this can be a useful distraction technique.
- Choose something to point out in the environment. Something tangible and real. Comment on it, try to help the person see outside of their suffering and notice what is around them.
- Choose a random question - did they have a favourite toy growing up? Do they have a pet? A close friend?
More suggestions from members of our lived experience panel
Often, it was mostly just about distracting me by talking about something I liked or was interested in (eg, talking about some games I like, when I was feeling down). Just telling me about something totally random that took my attention away from suicidal thoughts for at least five minutes.
Member of Samaritans' lived experience panel
Remember, these ideas and suggestions came from people with experience of suicidal thoughts. Everybody is different and what works for one person might not be right for someone else, but they’ve shared lots of different ideas and examples of things they find helpful when they’re having suicidal thoughts.