How to Ask About Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors

How do you help someone who is suicidal? The first step in suicide prevention is awareness — knowing when someone is in crisis. That’s often not obvious, because many people suffer in silence or give no sign that they might harm themselves. The Columbia Protocol Community Card(Link downloads document) (Link opens in new window) is the one best suited for use by family members, friends, and others who have a relationship with a person who may be at risk. It involves asking just three to six questions, but the answers provide enough information to determine whether someone needs help and if immediate action is needed. The questions’ plain language also may make it easier for you to talk to someone who may be suicidal. Start the conversation now. (Credit: CSSRS http://cssrs.columbia.edu/the-columbia-scale-c-ssrs/cssrs-for-families-friends-and-neighbors/(Link is external) (Link opens in new window))

To access the Columbia Protocol Community Card, please visit: https://cssrs.columbia.edu/wp-content/uploads/Community-Card-Friends-and-Family-2020.pdf(Link downloads document) (Link opens in new window)