Watching someone you care about struggle with suicidal thinking can be frightening, confusing, and heartbreaking. You don’t need to have every answer, what matters most is how you show up. Simple, compassionate actions and a plan for crisis moments can reduce risk and help someone feel less alone.
Listen first, without judgement
A person in crisis often needs to be heard more than they need quick fixes. Give them your full attention: put away distractions, allow them to speak, and resist the urge to solve everything immediately. Reflect back what you hear and validate their experience. Phrases like “I’m here with you” or “You don’t have to go through this alone” can offer real comfort.
Avoid minimizing statements such as “It’s not that bad” or “You’ll get over it”. Acknowledging the intensity of their pain helps build trust and opens the door to next steps.
Encourage professional support
When someone is open to help, suggest seeking professional care from a counsellor, psychotherapist, or family doctor. Evidence-based therapies can reduce suicidal ideation and teach tools to cope with distress.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviours and replace them with more balanced ways of thinking and coping. It’s commonly used to treat depression, anxiety, and suicidal thinking.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
DBT blends CBT techniques with mindfulness and skills training. It focuses on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and improving relationships, and can be especially helpful for people who experience intense emotions or have engaged in self-harm.
If the person is reluctant to see a therapist right away, you can offer to help them find options, attend an initial appointment with them, or support phone or online access to mental-health resources.
Work together on a safety plan
A safety plan is a short, practical list the person can follow when they feel overwhelmed. Creating one together can make crisis moments more manageable.
- Reduce access to means: Secure or remove items that could be used for self-harm to lower immediate risk.
- Identify warning signs: Note thoughts, feelings, or changes in behaviour that often precede a crisis.
- List coping actions: Include distraction techniques and grounding exercises, things the person can do right away, like breathing exercises, walking, or listening to music.
- Gather supportive contacts: Create a short list of friends, family members, and professionals the person can call or text when struggling.
- Decide on emergency steps: Include when to contact emergency services, go to an emergency department, or call a crisis line.
- Keep it accessible: Store the plan on their phone and in a written copy so it’s easy to find.
When to use crisis resources
If someone is actively planning to hurt themselves, has intent, or you believe they are in immediate danger, seek urgent help. Don’t hesitate to call emergency services or take them to the nearest emergency department.
For people in Alberta, the following 24/7 supports are available:
- Alberta Health Services Mental Health Help Line: Call 1-877-303-2642 (24/7)
- Distress Centre Calgary: Call 403-266-4357 or Text 45645 (24/7)
- Distress Line Edmonton: Call 780-482-HELP (4357) (24/7)
- Alberta Suicide Prevention Line: Call 1-800-232-7288 (24/7)
- Health Link Alberta: Call 811 for health advice and referrals
If you are outside Alberta, contact local crisis services, your health-care provider, or call emergency services if the situation is life-threatening.
Look after yourself
Supporting someone at risk is emotionally demanding. Make sure you have your own supports, talk with friends or family, use a support line, or consider seeing a therapist. Set clear boundaries about what you can and can’t do, and rest when you need to. Caring for your wellbeing makes it possible to continue supporting the other person safely.
A final note for Canadian readers
This information is educational and not a substitute for professional advice. If you’re searching for counselling, psychotherapy, or addiction support, look for licensed professionals in your area and ask about their experience with crisis and suicide prevention. AddictionTube shares resources and guides like this to help Canadians find reliable information and support.
If someone is in immediate danger, call emergency services now.
