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Preventing suicide: REACH out to help

Suicide thoughts, attempts, and deaths affect us all. It can be hard to talk about because of feelings of fear, shame, and guilt.

Together, we can prevent suicide. REACH stands for recognize, engage, ask, connect, and heal.

Use the REACH steps to help your friend, coworker, or family member.

Recognize when someone is struggling

People who are thinking of suicide can often show signs. They may:

talk about death or suicide
lose interest in activities or withdraw from people
give away belongings
talk about being a burden

If you’re worried, and you notice that your family member, friend, or coworker is acting differently, talk to them.

Start a conversation and listen

Talk with the person you’re worried about. Listen to their story with empathy.

It’s common to feel anxious, afraid, or overwhelmed when talking about suicide.
Limit distractions such as your phone or the TV, and choose a place to talk that is comfortable and private.
Approach your family member, friend, or coworker with compassion and care.
Be honest, open, and willing to have conversations, but don’t force them.
Continue to check back with them on an agreed-upon time and respect their boundaries. Encourage them to speak to another person if they would be more comfortable.

Ask about suicidal thoughts and feelings

Asking about suicide can be scary, but it’s the most important thing you can do. Asking about suicide will not put the idea into someone's mind.

Give reasons for why you’re asking. Talk about what you've noticed and let them know you care and are concerned.
Be clear and direct. Ask, "Are you thinking of suicide?"
If the answer is yes, thank them for sharing. Stay calm and offer to connect them to help.
If the answer is no, you can still help connect them to support and resources if they are struggling. Talk to them again later. A "no" can change into a "yes."

Connect to support and resources

You don’t need to have all the answers. There are resources that can help:

Explore options with the person to find out what support is best. If they are at immediate risk, call 911 or go with them to the nearest emergency room.
You can help by arranging a doctor’s appointment or calling a distress line together.
Call the Mental Health Help Line at 1-877-303-2642 to talk to a mental health therapist any time, day or night.
You can also call Health Link at 811 to talk to a registered nurse or find out what other services are in your area.

You can help support your family member, friend, or coworker in other areas of their life. Cook and eat healthy meals together, go on walks with them, or do activities together that are pleasant or meaningful to them.

Heal yourself by taking care of your own mental health

Taking care of yourself is also important before, during, and after conversations about mental health struggles.

Supporting someone you care about can bring up difficult emotions for you or could affect your own mental health. Recognize when you're not feeling yourself. Take time to use healthy coping strategies. Reach out for support when you need to.

Current as of: December 16, 2024

Author: Provincial Injury Prevention, Alberta Health Services

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.