The risk of suicide
You may worry someone may try to kill themselves. It is important to remember that most people do not kill themselves, but bereavement can be a trigger for suicidal thoughts and suicide. Be aware if they have communicated that they:
- are feeling much worse
- would ‘rather not be here’
- have considered suicide
- have ideas about how they would kill themselves
Often, it is impossible to know if someone is planning suicide. Sometimes, however, there are warning signs. For example, the person stops taking your phone calls.
It is important to remain calm and not panic if you are worried about someone taking their own life. Your role is to have all the necessary information and communicate it correctly.
- If you feel that the person may be in immediate danger, contact an emergency service. You may feel you need to do this anonymously. If so, it is still better to report it, than not at all.
- If you feel the person is not in immediate danger and you are working for an organisation, report your concerns to your manager so they can decide what needs to be done.
- If you feel the person is not in immediate danger, and you are not working for an organisation, seek further advice from a professional agency, such as a charity caring for people who are suicidal or bereaved.