Handling A Phone Call From A Suicidal Person


A phone call from a suicidal person who says I'm so depressed and have thoughts of suicide can induce panic and fear. Learn how to help the person who feels suicidal.

  1. Be yourself. "The right words" are unimportant. If you are concerned, your voice and manner will show it.



  4. If the caller is saying "I'm so depressed, I can't go on," ask The Question: "Are you having thoughts of suicide?" You are not putting ideas in his head, you are doing a good thing for him. You are showing him that you are concerned, that you take him seriously, that it is OK for him to share his pain with you.


  6. Simply talking about their problems for a length of time will give suicidal people relief from loneliness and pent up feelings, the awareness that another person cares, and a feeling of being understood. They also get tired -- their body chemistry changes. These things take the edge off their agitated state and help them get through a bad night.


  8. If the person is ingesting drugs, get the details (what, how much, alcohol, other medications, last meal, general health) and call Poison Control at (800) 222-1222 in the US. A shift partner can call while you continue to talk to the person, or you can get the caller's permission and do it yourself on another phone while the caller listens to your side of the conversation. If Poison Control recommends immediate medical assistance, ask if the caller has a nearby relative, friend, or neighbor who can assist with transportation or the ambulance. In a few cases, the person will initially refuse needed medical assistance. Remember that the call is still a cry for help and stay with him in a sympathetic and non-judgmental way. Ask for his address and phone number in case he changes his mind. (Call the number to make sure it's busy.) If your organization does not trace calls, be sure to tell him that.

  9. Do not go it alone. Get help during the call and debrief afterward.



By David L. Conroy, PhD. Reprinted with permission.



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APA Reference
Staff, H. (2008, December 5). Handling A Phone Call From A Suicidal Person, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2021, April 10 from

Last Updated: April 30, 2019

Medically reviewed by Harry Croft, MD

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