Which intervention would NOT be helpful for someone contemplating suicide?

Which intervention would NOT be helpful for someone contemplating suicide?

• A. Encourage the person to be alone in order to focus on personal solutions to problems
• B. Suggest they contact a crisis hotline for support
• C. Encourage them to talk with a trusted friend
• D. Encourage seeking professional help

Answer: (A)

Staying connected and getting help is what tends to reduce risk when someone is contemplating suicide. Encouraging the person to be alone to “think through” problems on their own misses a crucial opportunity for support, safety assessment, and intervention. Isolation can intensify feelings of hopelessness and make it harder for them to reach out if feelings escalate. The other options provide real safety nets. Suggesting a crisis hotline gives immediate, professional support that’s available 24/7 and can guide the person through crisis moments. Encouraging them to talk with a trusted friend offers emotional support, validation, and someone who can help monitor risk and respond if things worsen. Encouraging seeking professional help connects them with clinicians who can assess danger, provide therapy or medication if needed, and help establish a concrete safety plan. If there is any sense that the person might be in immediate danger, don’t hesitate to contact emergency services.

Staying connected and getting help is what tends to reduce risk when someone is contemplating suicide. Encouraging the person to be alone to “think through” problems on their own misses a crucial opportunity for support, safety assessment, and intervention. Isolation can intensify feelings of hopelessness and make it harder for them to reach out if feelings escalate.

The other options provide real safety nets. Suggesting a crisis hotline gives immediate, professional support that’s available 24/7 and can guide the person through crisis moments. Encouraging them to talk with a trusted friend offers emotional support, validation, and someone who can help monitor risk and respond if things worsen. Encouraging seeking professional help connects them with clinicians who can assess danger, provide therapy or medication if needed, and help establish a concrete safety plan.

If there is any sense that the person might be in immediate danger, don’t hesitate to contact emergency services.