Responding to Suicidal Concerns

Show you care. Connect on a feeling level. Listen.

• Ask, "How are you feeling?"
• Say, "I’m concerned about you. I noticed you haven’t been going to class."
• Listen with respect. Most individuals in distress want understanding and care.

Ask about suicide directly!

• Don’t be afraid to ask about suicide directly. Talking about suicide does not put the idea in a person’s head. That is a myth!
• Say, "Sometimes when people are feeling as upset (sad, depressed) as you are, they often think about suicide. I’m wondering if you’re having thoughts of suicide."
• If the individual responds with a "yes," say "I’m worried about you, and I want you to be ok."
• Ask, "Have you thought how you would kill yourself?"
• If the person has a plan, he or she is at an increased risk of attempting or completing suicide

Get help. Explore options. Offer resources.

• Ask, "Who can help?" "Who usually helps?"
• Avoid being the only lifeline. Consult with an RLC Personal Counselor. Remember, FERPA allows you to share information you observed or heard with another college official.
• Remember, FERPA allows you to share information you observed or heard with another college official.
• Ask, "How would you feel about going to the Counseling Center?" "Let’s walk over right now." "I’ll walk over with you."
• Richland College Counseling Services is in the Lakeside Resource Center. El Paso Hall, Room E082 and can be reached at 972-238-3771 or 972-238-3777. Mondays – Thursdays 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. | Fridays 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
• If the person is actively suicidal, call 911 or 972-860-4290 from a cell phone.

Suicide Prevention Hotlines

• 1-800-273-TALK National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
• 972-233-2233 Contact Crisis Help Line
• 972-233-8336 Teen Crisis
• 972-233-2428 Contact Crisis En-Espanol

For additional training, complete the AT RISK Kognito Training available on the RLC
Counseling Website. Learn how to help fellow students, military veterans or others about whom you are concerned.