If you know someone struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide, you may be wondering how to help.

Start by reaching out.

Here are 9 things you can do to make a difference for someone who is struggling. #WorldSuicidePreventionDay https://trib.al/jObUo5l ">https://trib.al/jObUo5l&q...
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="1️⃣" title="Tastenkappe Ziffer 1" aria-label="Emoji: Tastenkappe Ziffer 1"> Recognize the warning signs: Signs of suicide risk include changes in mood and behavior, an expert says.

It’s also important to pay attention to a person’s words.
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="2️⃣" title="Tastenkappe Ziffer 2" aria-label="Emoji: Tastenkappe Ziffer 2"> Reach out and ask, & #39;Are you OK?& #39;

People who are having thoughts of suicide often feel trapped and alone, experts say.

Reaching out and offering support may reduce the sense of isolation.
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="3️⃣" title="Tastenkappe Ziffer 3" aria-label="Emoji: Tastenkappe Ziffer 3"> Be direct: Ask about suicide

Some people worry this may have unintended consequences — but experts say there’s no research to support that.

Asking directly and compassionately about suicide is a key tool for prevention.
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="4️⃣" title="Tastenkappe Ziffer 4" aria-label="Emoji: Tastenkappe Ziffer 4"> Assess risk and don& #39;t panic

Suicidal feelings aren& #39;t always an emergency.

But how do you know if it& #39;s an immediate crisis?

For help, this tool walks you through 6 questions to ask your loved one about whether they& #39;ve had thoughts about suicide: http://bit.ly/2VbHGst ">https://bit.ly/2VbHGst&q...
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="5️⃣" title="Tastenkappe Ziffer 5" aria-label="Emoji: Tastenkappe Ziffer 5"> If it& #39;s a crisis, stick around

So what if you& #39;ve assessed risk and you fear your loved one is in an immediate crisis?

First, request them to hold off for a day or so, an expert says.

At the same time, be "validating and gentle."
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers this guide to the 5 action steps to take if someone you know is in imminent danger: http://bit.ly/2VlvwgR 

If">https://bit.ly/2VlvwgR&q... you don& #39;t feel confident about helping someone through a crisis, call its hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="6️⃣" title="Tastenkappe Ziffer 6" aria-label="Emoji: Tastenkappe Ziffer 6"> Listen and offer hope

If the person is not in immediate risk, survivors say it is still important to listen to them.

"The biggest thing is listening in an open-minded way, to not be judgmental," explains a medical assistant and survivor.
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="7️⃣" title="Tastenkappe Ziffer 7" aria-label="Emoji: Tastenkappe Ziffer 7"> Help your loved one make a safety plan

When a person is not in immediate risk, it& #39;s a good time to think about preventing a future crisis.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has a template for creating a safety plan: https://n.pr/2KQwGN9 ">https://n.pr/2KQwGN9&q...
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="8️⃣" title="Tastenkappe Ziffer 8" aria-label="Emoji: Tastenkappe Ziffer 8"> Help them tackle the mental health care system

To prevent a future crisis, offer to help your loved one connect with a mental health professional to find out whether medications can help them and to learn ways to manage their mood and suicidal thinking.
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="9️⃣" title="Tastenkappe Ziffer 9" aria-label="Emoji: Tastenkappe Ziffer 9"> Explore tools and support online

For those struggling to access mental health care, there are some evidence-based digital tools that can also help.

You can find a list of those resources at the bottom of this page: https://trib.al/jObUo5l ">https://trib.al/jObUo5l&q...
If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, contact:

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• En Español: 1-888-628-9454
• The Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 #WorldSuicidePreventionDay
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