If your friend has:

• made a plan
• the means to hurt him/herself or someone else (e.g. pills or a weapon)
• attempted suicide or hurt him/herself before

Talk to friends, family members, teachers, guidance counselors or a family doctor if you notice the following:

Your friend makes statements like ...

• I want to die
• Things would be better without me
• I can't go on like this
• It will soon be over
• They will be sorry when I'm not here
• I want to go to sleep and never wake up

Appears to feel sad, helpless, hopeless, worthless, guilty, shame, exhausted, angry, confused, irritable or withdrawn.

Behaves in unusual ways ...

• Isolating him/herself
• Giving away prized possessions
• Partying excessively
• Using substances more than usual
• Having unsafe sex or changes in libido
• Having difficulty making decisions
• Under- or overeating
• Under- or oversleeping

If you've noticed these types of changes, ask your friend if he/she is thinking about suicide.

Reach out and get help for your friend. If you have a concern, and want advice or information, get started at:

Connex Ontario

Kids Help Phone

Your local crisis service

Talk to their friends, parents or brothers/sisters.

Talk to a guidance counsellor, your/your friend's family doctor.

Ask for help in helping your friend! Reaching out to others you trust will help your friend in the long run. Read How Can I Help My Friend to see what else you and others can do.

Last updated October 2012

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