Suicide Prevention Starts with Human Connection
NOTE: Suicide prevention starts with understanding.
This is part 1 of our Suicide Prevention Learning Series. Over this four-part educational series from Dauphin County ASPIRE, you’ll learn to recognize warning signs, respond with compassion, and feel more confident supporting someone who may be struggling.
Whether you’re concerned about a friend, family member, coworker, neighbor, or someone in your community, each article offers practical, evidence-informed guidance that can help you take the next step.
| In this article, you’ll learn: Why you don’t need to be a mental health professional to help How to start a caring conversation What to say if someone tells you they’re thinking about suicide When and how to connect someone with additional support |
When you’re worried about someone, it can be hard to know what to do next.
You may notice they seem different. Maybe they’re quieter than usual. Maybe they’ve pulled away from people or activities. Maybe they seem more hopeless, agitated, reckless, or disconnected. Maybe they’ve said something that unsettled you, like, “I don’t want to be here anymore,” or “I just want to go to sleep and not wake up.”
In those moments, many people freeze.
They worry they’ll say the wrong thing, or make the situation worse. They may believe they aren’t qualified to ask someone if they are having thoughts of suicide because they don’t know the “right” thing to say in response.
However, suicide prevention often starts with something very human.
- A person notices.
- A person asks.
- A person listens.
- A person stays.
- A person helps connect someone to support.
You Don’t Have to Be a Mental Health Professional to Help
In ASPIRE’s video, Know the Signs. Be the Support, Dr. Kerrie Smedley offers an important reminder: you don’t have to be a mental health provider to ask a caring question. A family member, friend, coworker, teacher, coach, neighbor, or concerned community member can ask.
Start with What You’ve Noticed
You don’t need perfect words to begin. You can start by naming what you’ve noticed with care.
| Try Saying: “I’ve noticed you don’t seem like yourself lately.” “I’m worried about you.” “I care about you, and I want to understand what’s been going on.” “How have things been feeling for you?” |
A simple check-in can let someone know they’re not invisible. It can create an opening for a more honest conversation.
If You’re Concerned, Ask Directly
If you’re concerned that someone may be having thoughts of suicide, ask directly.
| Questions You Can Ask Are you thinking about suicide? Have you had thoughts of suicide? Has suicide crossed your mind? |
Any version of that question may feel uncomfortable. But clarity can be kind. Asking directly doesn’t put the idea in someone’s mind. It permits the person to tell the truth, and it helps you understand what kind of support may be needed.
If They Say Yes
If the person says yes, try to stay calm.
Yes, this could be a serious situation, but your steadiness can help.
Panic, shame, arguing, judgment or rushing to solve everything may make the person feel more alone. In that moment, your first role is to listen.
What You Can Say Next
Dr. Smedley also reminds us to resist the urge to jump in and fix everything right away.
First, listen.
Empathize.
Ask follow-up questions.
Give the person space to tell you what they’re thinking and feeling.
| Helpful Responses “I’m really glad you told me.” “I’m here with you.” “You don’t have to go through this alone.” “We can walk through this together.” |
Words like we, us and together, can make the person feel less alone.
Help Them Connect to Support
Then, help connect them to support.
When Immediate Help Is Needed
If someone has a suicide plan, access to lethal means, or appears to be in immediate danger, seek emergency assistance or crisis support right away. Stay with the person, or find someone who can, as long as it’s safe to do so.
| Crisis Resources Call or text 988 Chat at 988lifeline.org Dauphin County Crisis Intervention: 717-232-7511 |
You can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You don’t have to be the person in crisis to contact 988. If you’re worried about someone else, you can reach out for guidance.
Dauphin County residents can also contact Dauphin County Crisis Intervention at 717-232-7511. Local emergency departments, crisis intervention services, therapists, physicians, and trusted support people may also be part of the next step.
No one expects you to carry the situation alone. Helping someone connect to trained support is one of the most important things you can do.
Know the Signs. Be the Support.
That’s why ASPIRE’s message is simple:
Know the signs. Be the support.
You don’t need all the answers to make a difference. Your willingness to notice, ask, listen, and stay connected can help someone move toward safety, support, and hope.
| Quick Recap If you’re worried about someone… Notice. Ask. Listen. Stay. Help connect them to support. |
| Next Article: Common Myths About Suicide Many people worry that asking someone directly about suicide will make things worse. In the next article, we explore why that belief is one of the most common myths—and why starting the conversation can be one of the most caring things you do. Part 1: ✓ What to Do If You Are Worried (You’re here) Part 2: Common Myths About Suicide Part 3: Warning Signs vs. Risk Factors Part 4: It Matters How We Talk About Suicide |