Notice
What is one thing you can do if you notice a friend suddenly acting very differently than usual?
Check in with them and ask how they're doing.
What is one simple question you can ask a friend who seems like they're struggling?
"Are you okay?" or "Do you want to talk?"
When someone is sharing something difficult with you, should you immediately try to fix everything?
NO. Listen first.
Name one trusted adult you could go to if you're worried about a friend.
A friend says, "I've had a terrible day."
What's a good first response?
A. "You'll get over it."
B. "Want to talk about it?"
C. "That's not a big deal."
D. "My day was worse."
B. "Want to talk about it?"
True or False: A friend withdrawing from people or activities they normally enjoy can be a warning sign that they are struggling.
TRUE!
True or False: Asking someone directly if they are thinking about suicide will automatically put the idea into their head.
FALSE
Which response shows good listening?
A. "Other people have it worse."
B. "Just forget about it."
C. "I'm glad you told me. I'm here to listen."
D. "You need to calm down."
C. "I'm glad you told me. I'm here to listen."
True or False: You should keep a friend's suicidal thoughts secret if they ask you to.
FALSE.
Your friend has stopped talking to people, isn't participating in activities, and seems very different lately.
What should you do?
Notice the changes, check in with them, and consider involving a trusted adult.
Name two possible warning signs that someone may be struggling emotionally.
Which question is the most direct if you're seriously concerned about a friend?
A. "You're not actually thinking about suicide, right?"
B. "Are you thinking about suicide?"
C. "Why are you acting like this?"
D. "You wouldn't do anything stupid, would you?"
B. "Are you thinking about suicide?"
What does it mean to listen without judgment?
It means allowing someone to share their feelings without making fun of them, blaming them, or telling them they shouldn't feel that way.
Your friend tells you they are thinking about suicide and says, "Don't tell anybody."
What should you do?
A. Promise to keep it secret
B. Tell them you'll forget about it
C. Get a trusted adult involved
D. Wait a few weeks to see what happens
C. Get a trusted adult involved.
A friend says:
"Honestly, I don't even see the point anymore."
Which response is most appropriate?
A. "Don't say that."
B. "You're being dramatic."
C. "Cheer up."
D. "I'm glad you told me. Are you thinking about suicide?"
D. "I'm glad you told me. Are you thinking about suicide?"
A student who normally talks with everyone has suddenly stopped hanging out with friends, seems hopeless, and says, "Nothing is ever going to get better." What should you do?
Take the changes seriously, check in with them, and tell a trusted adult if you're concerned.
Your friend says, "I don't see the point anymore." Give one supportive question you could ask.
Your friend starts crying while telling you they're having a really difficult time. What is the best response?
A. Change the subject
B. Tell them to stop crying
C. Stay calm and listen
D. Tell everyone what happened
C. Stay calm and listen.
A student tells you they're thinking about suicide. You are worried about their immediate safety. What is your job as a friend?
A. Become their therapist
B. Solve all their problems
C. Stay with them and get a trusted adult/help
D. Keep the conversation completely secret
C. Stay with them and get a trusted adult/help.
You are worried about a friend, but they tell you:
"If you tell an adult, I'll never talk to you again."
What should you remember?
Their safety is more important than keeping a secret. Tell a trusted adult and stay supportive.
A friend tells you, "I've been feeling like everyone would be better off without me." What should you NOT do?
Ignore Them
Why is it important to ask a serious question instead of assuming you already know what your friend is feeling?
Because you cannot know exactly what someone is experiencing just by looking at them. Asking gives them an opportunity to tell you what's really going on and helps you know when to get additional support.
A friend says, "Promise me you won't tell anyone what I just told you."
What should you say?
"I care about you too much to keep something this serious a secret. Let's get someone who can help."
Put these steps in the correct order:
ASK — NOTICE — TELL — LISTEN
NOTICE → ASK → LISTEN → TELL
Your friend tells you they're thinking about suicide. They ask you to keep it secret.
Name at least THREE things you should do.