How to Help Someone Who Is Threatening Suicide

Be direct. Talk openly and matter of factly about suicide.
Be willing to listen. Allow expressions of feelings. Accept the feelings.
Be non-judgmental. Don't debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or feelings are good or bad. Don't lecture on the value of life.
Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.
Don't dare him or her to do it.
Don't act shocked. This will put distance between you.
Don't be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.
Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance.
Take action. Remove means, such as guns or stockpiled pills.
Get help from persons or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.

National Hotline for Children and Parents: 1-800-448-3000 (Sponsored by Boys Town; bilingual crisis intervention hotline)
Suicide Awareness\Voices of Education (SAVE): www.save.org 1-612-946-7998
American Association of Suicidology: www.suicidology.org
Light for Life Foundation of America: www.yellowribbon.org 1-302-429-3530
Suicide Prevention Advocacy Network: www.spanusa.org 1-888-649-1366
Suicide Information and Education Centre: www.siec.ca (no number; it is located in Canada)