Suicide Prevention Awareness Month – Have the Conversation

Week 3: Have the Conversation

When we’re struggling, we often reach out first to friends, family, or coworkers. Talking about mental health—and suicide—can feel uncomfortable, but conversation saves lives. This week, we’re sharing the five #BeThe1To action steps and practical language you can use.

1) Ask

How: Ask directly and calmly: “Are you thinking about suicide?” Then listen—without rushing, fixing, or judging.
Why: Bringing suicidal thoughts into the open can reduce distress and shame.
Try saying:

• “I care about you. Are you thinking about harming yourself?”

• “What’s been the hardest part? What helps you get through?”
  Avoid: Debating, minimizing (“It’s not that bad”), or trying to talk them out of their feelings.

2) Be There

How: Stay with them if you can, check in by phone/text, or help line up another trusted support if you’re unavailable.
Why: Connection lowers risk and protects against isolation.
Try saying:

• “I’m here now. We can take this one step at a time.”

• “Who else feels safe to involve so you’re not carrying this alone?”

3) Help Keep Them Safe

How: If suicide is on the table, ask: “Have you done anything to harm yourself today?” and “Do you have a plan or access to means?” Work together to reduce access to lethal means (e.g., safely storing/locking medications and firearms) and increase supervision and support.
Why: Understanding immediacy and access helps you respond appropriately and can lower risk.
Try saying:

• “Let’s make things safer for tonight. What can we lock up or move?”

• “Who can stay with you, or where can you go to feel safer?”

4) Help Them Connect

How: Build a simple Safety Plan together (warning signs, coping strategies, people/places that help, professional/urgent contacts). Use supports that fit their life—friends, family, peer lines, counselors, faith leaders.
Why: Connected people feel more hopeful and have a roadmap for hard moments.
Try saying:

• “Let’s write down three things that help when the wave hits.”

• “Would you be open to texting/calling 988 together right now?”

Safety Plan template (SAMHSA): https://www.samhsa.gov/resource/988/safety-plan
#BeThe1To steps: https://www.bethe1to.com/

5) Follow Up

How: Check in after the crisis moment—later that day, the next day, and that week. A short text or call matters.
Why: Ongoing caring contact strengthens connection and can lower risk.
Try saying:

• “Thinking of you—how are things this morning?”

• “Want to walk, grab coffee, or just sit together for a bit?”

Pocket Script (copy/paste)

• “I’ve noticed ____ and I’m worried about you.”

• “Are you thinking about suicide?”

• “Thank you for telling me. You’re not alone—let’s find support together.”

• “Can we make a quick plan for tonight and add 988 to your phone?”

Do / Don’t

Do: use plain language, listen more than you talk, validate feelings, offer to call or text supports with them.
Don’t: promise secrecy, leave them alone if danger is imminent, or use phrases like “committed suicide.” Say “died by suicide.”

Save & Share These Resources

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org (24/7, free, confidential).

• United Way 211 (MN): Dial 2-1-1 for local services (mental health, housing, food, more).

• Emergency: If there is immediate danger, call 911 and request a mental health crisis response.

This Week’s Action

1. Add 988 and a trusted contact to your phone favorites.

1. Print or save a one-page Safety Plan and fill it out with yourself or a loved one. (Attached)

1. Send one supportive check-in text to someone who’s been having a hard time.

Thanks for being part of a community where it’s okay to talk about hard things—and where help is easy to find.