What can I do to help?

There isn’t one clear sign that shows someone is thinking about ending their life. Everyone shows things differently. You might notice your friend acting in a way that feels unusual for them or saying things that make you feel worried.

It’s okay to ask a friend if they’re thinking about suicide. Asking them won’t ‘put ideas in their head’. It simply shows you care and gives them a chance to talk.

Only say what feels comfortable and safe for you.

You can start with ‘I noticed…’ and tell them what made you worried, like:

• ‘I noticed you haven’t seemed like yourself lately.’
• ‘I noticed you’ve been a bit quieter than usual.’

Then you can ask simple, caring questions like:

• ‘Are you okay?’
• ‘Do you want to talk about anything?’
• ‘How can I help?’
• ‘Is there someone with you right now?’
• ‘Have you talked to an adult about this?’

If your friend tells you they’re thinking about suicide or that they feel unsafe, get a trusted adult straight away.

This is something no young person should try to handle on their own. You can say something like:

‘I’m really glad you told me. This is really big, and I care about you. I need to get an adult to help us right now.’

Or:

‘Suicide is too big for me to handle by myself. Let’s get an adult who can help keep you safe.’

Then find an adult immediately – a parent, teacher, school counsellor, youth worker, coach or another safe grown‑up.

If they need support right now – head to our emergency page.

Sometimes the most helpful thing you can do for a friend is just listen.

Most people who feel upset or overwhelmed want someone who cares and listens before giving advice.

Listening quietly, without jumping in or trying to fix things, shows your friend that you’re on their side and that their feelings matter.

When you listen with care, your friend feels heard and is more likely to open up.

Sometimes people try to help by saying things like, ‘it’s not that bad,’ ‘everything happens for a reason,’ or ‘other people have it worse’.

Even if they mean well, these comments can make a friend feel unheard or even more upset.

Instead, try to show you understand and care.

You can say something like:

‘That sounds really tough. Do you want to talk about it?’

This lets your friend know you’re listening and taking their feelings seriously.

When someone feels very overwhelmed, it can feel like everything is out of control.

Asking your friend what they need can help them feel heard and supported.

You can say things like:

• ‘What would help you right now?’
• ‘Do you want me to stay with you?’
• ‘Is there an adult you feel comfortable talking to?’

Remember, you don’t have to fix everything.

You’re just helping them feel less alone and making sure a trusted adult gets involved.

Your friend doesn’t have to deal with this alone and neither do you.

Encourage them to talk to a trusted adult who can help keep them safe and supported.

This could be:

• a family member
• the school psychologist or counsellor
• their favourite teacher
• their coach or youth leader.

Talking to a professional can really help when someone is feeling overwhelmed or having thoughts about suicide.

You can support your friend by helping them think about who they might feel comfortable talking to.

This could be:

• the school psychologist or counsellor
• a doctor
• a youth worker
• a helpline counsellor.

After your friend talks to an adult or gets support, it’s really kind to check in and see how they’re going.

You can say things like:

• ‘Hey, I’ve been thinking about you. How are you doing?’
• ‘How’s everything going with the people you talked to?’
• ‘I’m here if you ever feel like talking.’

Even small check‑ins can help your friend feel cared for and less alone.

Even if your friend asks you not to tell anyone, it’s important to speak to a trusted adult.

Keeping it a secret could stop them from getting the help they need.

Talking to an adult isn’t about breaking their trust – it’s about keeping them safe.