45 29TH ANNUAL CRIME PREVENTION GUIDE What You Can Do to Help a Depressed or Suicidal Person • Listen to the person with concern • Ask the person if he/she has ever felt unhappy for a long time and assure him/her that things can and will change • Be especially concerned if the person uses drugs and/or alcohol because his or her judgment may be impaired • Ask if the person has suicidal thoughts • Give the person the CHIMO Helpline number and make sure the person calls • Stay with the person and do something together • If the person is suicidal and refuses to get help, tell a responsible adult or someone you trust as soon as possible • Make specific plans to see the person the next day, so he/she has a reason to live What to say to a troubled person • “I’m here for you” • “I want to hear about what’s bothering you” • “I really care about you” • “Let’s talk and figure out how to make things better” • “Things are tough now, but they will change. You’ve got to hang in there, and I’m here to help” • “I would feel horrible if you hurt yourself, and I don’t want you to die” • “If I can’t help you, I’ll help you find someone who can help” • “No one and nothing is worth taking your life” Don’t • Ignore the person • Put the person down • Change the subject • Try to handle it alone if the person doesn’t respond to your efforts to help • Suggest drugs or alcohol as a solution In the majority of suicides, drugs and/or alcohol are a factor. Be more vigilant if you know the person is using drugs and/or alcohol to deal with problems. REMEMBER If you are concerned that a person is suicidal - listen carefully, stay with him or her, and get professional help as soon as possible. You cannot take responsibility for another person’s life - the decision is his or her own - you may, however, be able to help the person see other ways of dealing with his or her problems and pain. gnb.ca NEED HELP? Call the Island Helpline at 1-800-218-2885 if you are in a crisis, feeling depressed or thinking about suicide. Call 9-1-1 in an emergency
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