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What do I say to someone in non crisis or crisis situation??

The hard questions to ask and techniques you can learn in our mental health classes.

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ASK THE HARD QUESTION...

Are you going to kill yourself?

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A GREAT RESPONSE

I don't know what to say. I'm glad you told me and I want to support you.

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ANOTHER RESPONSE

Thank you for telling me. Do you want me to listen or brainstorm solutions?

Some of these questions are hard to ask and that is why it is important to practice and get educated.


Other tips and tricks:
  1. Be blunt. Do not "beat around the bush". The brain likes clarity and it is important to remove our own insecurities and biases when we are trying to support someone else.
  2. If you ask the question about suicide, the next questions to ask is:
    How?
    When?
    Where?
    This helps you find out if they have a plan and how much time you have to seek professional help.
  3. If the do NOT have a plan then maybe they just need someone to listen non-judgmentally and validate what they are feeling, so that they don't feel so alone.
  4. If they DO say yes and have a plan already plus give you all or some of the info above, then you will need to use one of the phone numbers below or call 911 (if the time frame is short) or emergency services and VERY IMPORTANT...tell the dispatcher that you need the "crisis team" so that they send out a unit that is trained for this situation. Give them all or as much information as you can so that they know who they should send out. 
  5. Also it is okay if you yourself are not okay to support someone. Be mindful of your own state and if you're in a place that you can help someone. If you're not, search out a coach or professional to help instead. 
  6. The best way to help others is to get educated yourself. Take one of our mental health classes or do further research. There are tons of resources under online resources that also have tons of info.
  7. Get connected with us, sign up for our community or newsletter or find us on Facebook or Instagram. The Founder is always posting Live videos with tips and tricks or doing workshops and challenges.

Need Immediate Help In An Emergency?

If you or a loved one is in immediate danger calling 911 and talking with police may be necessary. It is important to notify the operator that it is a psychiatric emergency and ask for police officers trained in crisis intervention or trained to assist people experiencing a psychiatric emergency.

Need Immediate Help In A Crisis?

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Call 800-273-TALK (8255)
If you or someone you know is in crisis—whether they are considering suicide or not—please call the toll-free Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) to speak with a trained crisis counselor 24/7.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline connects you with a crisis center in the Lifeline network closest to your location. Your call will be answered by a trained crisis worker who will listen empathetically and without judgment. The crisis worker will work to ensure that you feel safe and help identify options and information about mental health services in your area. Your call is confidential and free.

Crisis Text Line – Text "HOME" to 741-741
Connect with a trained crisis counselor to receive free, 24/7 crisis support via text message.

 

SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

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SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 800-799-SAFE (7233)
Trained expert advocates are available 24/7 to provide confidential support to anyone experiencing domestic violence or seeking resources and information. Help is available in Spanish and other languages.

National Sexual Assault Hotline – Call 800-656-HOPE (4673)
Connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area that offers access to a range of free services. Crisis chat support is available at Online Hotline. Free help, 24/7.

The Veterans Crisis Line - Call 800-273-TALK (8255); select #1

Provides free and confidential support 24/7.

Available to all veterans, even if they are not registered with the VA or enrolled in VA Healthcare.

Deaf or hearing impaired should call 1-800-799-4889

The Disaster Distress Helpline - Call 800-985-5990 or text "TalkWithUs" to 66746.

Provides immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress.

Free, multilingual, confidential, and available 24/7.

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