How to Help a Friend

Reach out

Let them know they are not alone in feeling this way and that it is ok to ask for help.

Start a conversation

• “I’m worried about you because you seem…” (e.g., sad, isolated, etc)
• Be specific about what you notice.  “It concerned me when you said…”
• Ask calmly with open-ended questions and use I-statements

Offer to listen and listen without judgment.

• “Do you want to talk about it?”
• “What can I do to help?”

Connect them with campus resources

Refer them to the Student Counseling Services

Never be afraid to reach out to them to let them know you are concerned

• Give your friend a call
• Pay them a visit
• Send them a message

Ask directly if they have thoughts of suicide

• Asking does not plant the idea in someone’s head
• Communicate verbally and nonverbally that it is safe to answer honestly
• Ask if they have a plan, materials, and a timeline
• By reaching out to a friend, you are not attempting to fix your friend’s problems, but to connect them to support services
• Call 9-1-1 if your friend is in imminent danger of harming themselves
• Know your limits and seek help for yourself

* Adapted from the “Help a Friend in Need” publication- The JED Foundation, Facebook, and Clinton Foundation