Ask Them About Suicide
If you're worried they're thinking about suicide, ask them about suicide.
‘Ask Them About Suicide’ isn’t just about asking ‘how are you feeling?’, ‘are you ok?’ or ‘are you sure?’. It is about being braver than that. It is about trusting our gut, digging deep, and finding the courage within ourselves to ask the questions we’re afraid of.
Shaped by people who have been affected by suicide, we hope this campaign will help to create a culture where people can talk openly and honestly about suicide, and find support when they need it.
Watch the ‘Ask Them About Suicide’ campaign film below, and then scroll down to find out more about how to ask the question, and what to do if the answer is yes.
Urgent help
A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one. You will not be wasting anyone’s time. Call 999 or go to A&E now if you do not feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe.
How do I ask about suicide?
People who have been affected by suicide told us that being asked if they were having thoughts of suicide was the most important thing others could do, and that it gave them the permission to open up.
So if you are worried someone is thinking about suicide, ask them about suicide.
Use our How To Ask guide for some practical advice.
Remember that if the answer is no but you are still worried, you can always ask again later.
What next?
People who have struggled with thoughts of suicide told us that it was a huge relief when they opened up about their feelings, so by asking the question, you are likely to have helped already.
Remember that you are unlikely to be able to solve all of their problems, but you can be there for them.
There are three really important things you can do to provide support: listen without judgement, help them to make a safe plan, and make sure they know where to go to get further support.
Listen without judgement
Often people with suicidal thoughts just want to be heard, so listening is one of the most helpful things you can do
Safe plan
You can work with the person to help them make a safe plan to use when they need it most
Signpost
Make sure they know where to go for further support
Ask them about suicide
Find out how to support someone who is having thoughts of suicide
Suicide prevention
Find out more about suicide prevention and access our resources on living with thoughts of suicide, what to do if you're worried about someone, and what to do after a suicide.
