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
2. Ways to start a conversation
Just start a conversation. You never really know what a difference you could make.
Member of Samaritans' lived experience panel
There are many ways to start a conversation
There are many ways to start a conversation that could save a life. From a simple ‘hello’ or a bit of small talk, to asking someone how they’re really feeling, the most important thing is that you take action if you think someone might be suicidal.
They distracted me with complimenting my shoes, sounds random but it took me so off guard I almost forgot what I was thinking about.
Member of Samaritans' lived experience panel
Suggestions from people with lived experience
- Remember to approach someone with kindness and compassion. You can start a conversation with a simple question like “How are you?”, “Are you OK?” or “Would you like a chat?”
- You can comment on something in your shared environment: the weather, something in their shopping basket, anything to open up a conversation.
More suggestions from members of our lived experience panel
- “A simple ‘hello’ to begin any intervention, then slowly explore and wait for an 'invite' to explore why the person is feeling or having suicidal thoughts.”
- “Asking if they want a drink, like a tea or coffee. Offering to sit with them, with or without talking, to show you're there.”
- “Be prepared to talk to someone, don't worry about saying the wrong thing.”
- “If you're worried someone is having harmful thoughts, it’s better to interrupt than not.”
I have always welcomed the interruption. I never like these thoughts and am grateful that something can pull me out of it.
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.