These are some of the more frequently asked questions from people who are worried about someone they know:
What should I do if someone I know is considering suicide?
- If you know someone who is considering suicide, do not leave him or her alone. Try to get your loved one to seek immediate help from his or her doctor or the nearest hospital emergency room, or call 911. Remove any access he or she may have to firearms or other potential tools for suicide, including medications.
If someone suspects that a friend or family member may be thinking about suicide, what should they do?
- Show the person you are concerned about them – listen without judgment, ask about their feelings and avoid trying to come up with a solution to their problem.
- Ask directly about suicide – be direct without being confrontational; say, “are you thinking about suicide?”
- Go get help – call a crisis line, visit the school counselor, tell a parent or refer the teen to someone with professional skills to provide help.
Does asking someone about suicide make them more likely to think about suicide?
- No, research shows that asking someone you care about if they are thinking about suicide does not make them more likely to think or act on thoughts of suicide.
Are the suicide rates different for males and females?
- Males are more likely to die by suicide, while females are more likely to make suicide attempts.
Are there particular youth who are more at-risk of suicide?
- Gay and lesbian youth are 2 to 3 times more likely to die by suicide than other youth. Alcohol and substance abuse also place a youth at higher risk for suicide.
Why are LGBTQ youth more at risk for suicide and suicide attempts?
- LGBTQ youth may be at an increased risk because of an increased occurrence of risk factors than occur in their “straight” peer’s lives and additional factors such as: gender nonconformity, coming out early or not coming out to anyone, homophobia/transphobia, internalized homophobia/transphobia, heterosexism, and inaccessible LGBTQ friendly service providers.
Is there an increased risk for suicide because of bullying behavior?
- Yes; being a victim, perpetrator or even a witness to bullying has been associated with multiple behavioral, emotional, and social problems, including an increased risk for suicidal ideation.