PAY ATTENTION and listen carefully. Don’t try to cheer the person up at this point or offer quick solutions.

ACCEPT what the person says he or she is feeling WITHOUT JUDGING. Don’t say, “Oh, you shouldn’t feel this way!” 

ACT CALM even if you feel anxious. If you act shocked or agitated, your friend may feel ashamed and uncomfortable and refuse to talk to you further.

ASSURE your friend or family member that sometimes everyone feels hurt or depressed, even hopeless, that you understand and that they are not alone.

SEEK HELP and don’t try to cope with this alone. Encourage your friend or family member to get help from a mental health professional. If the person is seriously considering suicide, DO NOT LEAVE them alone. Stay with them and contact a resource listed on this website.

If you have strong suicidal feelings, get help immediately.

If You Are Considering Suicide, Remember:

• Strong suicidal feelings are life-threatening health conditions. 

• Hopelessness is often a sign of depression, a treatable problem (NOT a sign of personal failure). 

• Suicide deaths cause a lifetime of pain for surviving family members and friends. 

• Tell your feelings to a friend, family member, health care professional, or someone you trust. 

24/7 Available Numbers to Remember:

• Wood County Crisis Line: (419) 502-HOPE

• Children’s Resource Center (under 18 years  old): 1 (888) 466-5437 or (419) 352-7588 

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988