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GUIDELINES FOR

DEALING WITH POTENTIAL SUICIDE

  • IMMEDIATELY CONTACT 911 FOR URGENT ASSISTANCE if there is imminent danger of the person hurting him/herself (such as their having already taken an overdose or having a gun, knife, or other dangerous object in their possession and making threats against him/herself or against others, etc.). The local police can do a safety check and can help bring the person to an emergency room for further evaluation and safety.
  • Don't try to minimize the situation by telling the person how well off he/she is compared to others.
  • Don't minimize importance of the person's feelings.
  • Don't argue with the person.
  • Don't be judgmental or moralizing about the situation.
  • Don't deal with the suicidal person alone...
    seek support by calling a national hotline at 1-800- SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433), checking for your local resources at http://suicidehotlines.com/ or contacting your local Mental Health Center in Kansas.
  • Don't leave the person alone.
  • Try to make certain that the person does not have access to any harmful objects or substances.
  • If the person is not in immediate danger of hurting self, help the person arrange to be seen by a counselor at the local mental health center or, if a KSU student in Manhattan, KS call the Counseling Center at 785-532-6927.

ADAPTED Fall 2001and updated 7/2004 by Counseling Services, Kansas State University
FROM A COPY OF THE SUICIDE PORTION OF THE SOUTHFIELD—LATHRUP HIGH SCHOOL “CRISIS PREPARATION & RESPONSE PLAN”. 1990—91.