PHASE V: Phrases 4 PHASEs Photo by Saaby on Flickr

PHASE V:Phrases 4 PHASEs

Photo by Saaby on Flickr

Phrases for PHASEs

To help HOPE Squad members learn effective phrases to use when someone is talking

about or contemplating suicide.

Copyright © Huds LLC

• Learn effective communication skills to use if someone states they are thinking about suicide.

• Know how to ask questions, including knowing the difference between open-ended and ended questions.

• Learn to engage with effective communication skills.


Objectives

If you have a peer or friend who is talking about suicide or showing warning signs

that they may be contemplating suicide, what do you do?

TALK ABOUT IT!


• Most of the time peers who are thinking about taking their life are willing to talk with someone who cares.

• Starting a conversation with someone you think may be considering suicide can be scary but being prepared by asking key phrases will help you.

• Being prepared to talk about suicide with a peer helps in many ways.


• Some teens are afraid to ask peers if they have been thinking about suicide or hurting themselves because they feel that it will put the idea in their mind.

• This is not true. It is always a good to ask.

• So how do you ask? What do you say?


Why Ask?

1. Helps the person feel less alone, less isolated, and shows that someone cares and wants to help.

2. Allows you to get help for the person sooner.

3. Provides a chance to save a life.


Key Phrases to Start a Conversation

• “I have noticed some changes in you lately, how are you doing?”

• “You haven't seemed yourself lately, is everything okay?”

• “I have been really concerned about you lately, are you okay?”

• “You seem really stressed out lately, would you like to talk about it?”


Getting Started:What, When, Where, Why, How

• “What can I do to support you right now?”

• “When did you start to feel like this?”

• “Where were your friends and family when you first starting feeling like this?”

• “Why are you feeling like this?”

• “How can I help you right now?”


Encouragement

When talking with someone who is suicidal, it is important to convey sincerity,

show that you care, and that you want to help.


Encouragement

Here are a few phrases you may use to convey sincerity.

• “I care about you.”

• “I am here for you.”

• “I want to help you.”

• “You are not alone.”


How to Ask

It is important to ask yes or no questions and be very clear when asking

if they have a plan to take their life.


How to Ask

• “Are you having thoughts of suicide?”

• “Do you want to kill yourself?”

• “Do you have a plan?”

• “Do you have what you need to carry out your plan?”

• “Do you know when would you do it?”


Getting Help

Once they have stated that they are suicidal it is

MOST IMPORTANT to get them help.

Get help – tell an adult even if you have to go by yourself!


Getting Help

• “Will you go with me to get help?”

• “Will you let me get you some help?”

• “I know people who can help, will you let me help you?”

• “Will you promise me you will not harm yourself?”


It takes a lot of courage to help a peer who is struggling with thoughts of suicide.

Being prepared to do so is the key to staying calm and getting them the help they need.



Remember:

Be yourself. It’s not important that you use these phrases exactly,

but it is important to get comfortable with asking the questions and

not being afraid of what your friend might say.

Discussion & Questions


Documents

PHASE V: Phrases 4 PHASEs Photo by Saaby on Flickr