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Crisis Intervention Strategies to Help Someone Suicidal

By: Serena Tanner • Edited by: Ani Lahiri • Subject Matter Expert Reviewed by: Brindusa Vanta, MD • 6 cited sources • Updated Oct 14, 2024

Hearing that someone you love is suicidal can be terrifying. You might feel helpless or unsure what to do. Supporting someone close to you through a suicidal crisis puts you in a pivotal position during a critical time. This guide to crisis intervention strategies to help someone who is suicidal can equip you with the information you need before you need it. 

Key Takeaways

• A suicidal crisis occurs when someone is contemplating or threatening suicide. It is an acute episode of heightened risk for suicidal behavior and is an emergency.
• It’s important to remain calm when your loved one is in crisis and to contact emergency responders if they make a credible threat.
• If they do not make a credible threat, it’s important to encourage them to seek help.

What Is a Crisis?

A suicidal crisis occurs when someone feels extreme hopelessness and despair, often due to stressors or mental health issues^[1]. It’s important to take any communication or actions seriously.

During a suicidal crisis, your loved one is actively contemplating suicide, especially in response to triggers, such as a personal loss. Some mental health issues, such as depression, psychosis, and substance use disorder, can contribute to the difficult situation.

What Should I Do in an Emergency?

If your loved one is actively contemplating suicide, it’s an emergency and time to involve professionals. It’s imperative that you remain calm and collected. Be sure to tell them that you are there for them and want to help, and don’t leave the person alone.

If your loved one has made a clear, direct suicide threat and has a plan and means to do so, call your local emergency line for intervention immediately. Inform them that your loved one is threatening suicide and that you believe it is credible. Emergency responders can assist in getting them to a hospital for evaluation and treatment.

What Is Crisis Intervention?

Crisis intervention is designed to help de-escalate a situation to pre-crisis levels. In an immediate situation, whoever is with the individual should find a way to reduce emotional distress, prevent any harm, and work with the individual to restore their functioning to a pre-crisis level.

During a suicidal crisis, a medical team will assess the individual’s mental health, provide immediate interventions (using crisis intervention techniques, medication, and hospitalization if necessary), and work on a treatment plan that ensures safety and ongoing support.

Dr. Brindusa Vanta, MD

How to Help a Suicidal Friend or Loved One

If your loved one is showing signs of suicidal thoughts, they need your help now more than ever. While you can’t control their behaviors, you can listen to them, provide a safe environment, and encourage them to seek help.

Recognizing the Warning Signs of Suicidal Behavior

Suicidal behavior sometimes has no warning signs, but they may be present if you know what to look for. Be on the lookout for:

• Withdrawal from social activities
• Talk of being a burden or worthless
• Drastic, uncharacteristic mood swings
• Talk of suicide, even if they say it’s a joke
• An increase in use of drugs or alcohol
• Changes to daily routines, such as sleeping patterns
• Engagement in risky, self-destructive behaviors, such as driving recklessly or unsafe sex
• Giving away items and getting affairs in order
• Signs of self-harm
• Having means of suicide, such as pills or a gun^[2]

Immediate Steps to Take to Support Someone in Crisis

If you suspect your loved one is suicidal, take the following steps:

• Remain with them as long as it’s safe to do so.
• Try to de-escalate the situation by letting them know you are there and want to help.
• If possible, remove potential means of self-harm or suicide, such as weapons.
• If they have made a credible threat or attempt to harm themselves, contact local emergency services immediately or take them to the nearest emergency room.
• Contact their family.

How to Talk to Someone With Suicidal Thoughts

Talking to someone with thoughts of suicide can be a delicate task. Show compassion while also conveying to them that suicide is not the answer. Create a connection that helps them feel valued and heard. Try implementing the following:

• Use open-ended questions.
• Express empathy while recognizing you may not understand exactly how they feel.
• Reassure them that their feelings are temporary, but help is available now. 
• Stay away from cliches like “Everything happens for a reason,” which can feel dismissive.
• Avoid saying anything that could be considered judgmental^[3].

Common Questions About Crisis Intervention for Suicidal Behavior

You Don’t Have to Solve Your Loved One’s Problems; You Just Have to Be There

If your loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts, you don’t have to fix their problems to help them. Just be there. Let them know you care and that you’re there for them. Show them that you mean it when you say they’re not a burden. Even if all you do is provide an ear to listen and a hug, you can make a life-saving difference.

Suicidal behavior indicates severe emotional distress and requires medical attention immediately, especially if the behavior is recent or has worsened.

Dr. Brindusa Vanta, MD

Written by Serena Tanner

Serena Tanner attended the University of Washington, where she earned a degree in philosophy after many detours delving into human rights, law, psychology, and social work. Health and holistic wellness topics continue to hold a special place in her heart. When she's not reading or writing, she can be found exploring the Pacific Northwest with her two children and dogs.

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Edited by Ani Lahiri

Anitra Lahiri earned her bachelor's degree in English from NYU and holds certifications in Yin Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, Reiki I and II, Natural Health, and SMART Recovery Facilitator Training. She is also completing her 500-hour hatha yoga teacher training in December 2024. By leading addiction recovery meetings, teaching yoga, and writing about wellness, Anitra helps people all over the world bounce back from addiction, incarceration, or traumatic life events. Her passion is encouraging people to tap into their inner wisdom. https://anitralahiri.com/

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Subject Matter Expert Brindusa Vanta, MD

Dr. Brindusa Vanta is a healthcare professional, researcher, and medical subject matter expert . She earned her MD degree from "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine, Romania. She has a special interest in mental health and has collaborated with psychologists and other mental health practitioners on various research projects focused on therapies to manage depression, age-related cognitive decline, trauma and stressor- related conditions.