Real Talk
Takes Practice

Taking time for one-on-one connection can be life-saving. Directly asking about someone’s mental health might take practice, but it may not be as difficult as you expect.

Research* has shown that directly asking about suicide doesn’t make someone more likely to attempt taking their own life. Rather, it opens a conversation that could save their life.

Here are some simple ways to ask, coupled with every-day encounters – which could present you with opportunities to prevent suicide.
If you’re worried someone is in immediate danger, call 911 and ask for a CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) officer.
What to ask
You’ve seemed different lately. Is everything okay?
This might sound weird, but are you doing alright?
Seems like somethings up. You wanna talk about it?
You haven’t seemed like yourself. What ’s up?
I know you’re going through a lot. How can I help?
Hey, I’m here for you. How are you really doing?
I’m worried about you, are you doing okay?
I haven’t seen you in a while. Everything okay?
Hey, no judgement here. What’s been going on?
Do you feel like you want to go sleep and never wake up?
Are things so difficult lately that you’ve felt like ending your life?
When people are as upset as you seem to be, sometimes they wish they were dead. Are you feeling that way?
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When to ask
Over coffee Over coffee Icon
After a pick-up game After a pick-up game Icon
Out to lunch Out to lunch Icon
Over text Over text Icon
When you visit them When you visit them Icon
In the car with them In the car with them Icon
The next time you see them The next time you see them Icon
After hanging out After hanging out Icon
In the parking lot In the parking lot Icon
On your way home On your way home Icon
On a road trip On a road trip Icon
On a walk with them On a walk with them Icon
When you’re alone with them When you’re alone with them Icon
During one-on-one time During one-on-one time Icon
When you’re not rushed When you’re not rushed Icon
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Resources

Download Virtual Hope Box for times of need
Download the SafeUT 24/7 chat app
Create a safety plan
Complete a self assessment
Connect with LGBTQ support
Download the myStrength behavioral health app