“I had no idea he/she was going through something like that.”
“What was he/she lacking? They should have just endured it somehow.”

After someone dies by suicide, it is very common to hear things like this from friends and relatives.

But what if we could recognize in advance that someone is having thoughts of ending their life? What if we could know what we can do to save that person’s life?

Even small acts—like listening with empathy for a few moments to someone going through problems and struggles—can help prevent a life from being lost.

It is not possible to identify one specific cause for suicide. Many factors such as financial difficulties, relationship or family problems, workplace stress, or exam pressure can contribute to it.

However, a person who is thinking about suicide often shows signs—either directly or indirectly—that they need help.

Some warning signs include:

• Saying things like:
  “Others would be better off if I were dead,”
  “I don’t want to live anymore,”
  “Life has no meaning,”
  “It would be better if I died,”
• Feeling trapped, hopeless, or experiencing unbearable emotional pain
• Giving away property or valuable possessions, sudden transfer of assets, or writing a will
• Excessive use of alcohol or drugs
• Isolating oneself from others (locking themselves in a room, avoiding contact)
• Unexpectedly saying goodbye to people or writing farewell letters

What can you do if you are worried that someone may attempt suicide?

1) Ask them directly

Ask clearly and calmly whether they are thinking about suicide:

• “I feel like the things you’re saying and doing make me think you might be considering suicide. Are you thinking about that?”

• “Are you going through something so difficult that you’ve been thinking about ending your life?”

Asking directly does NOT increase the risk of suicide. In fact, it can bring relief to the person because it shows that someone cares.

2) Listen with care and empathy

The most important help you can give is to listen.

Do not try to immediately fix their problems or convince them why they should live. Instead, simply listen and be present with them.

If you feel they are still at risk while talking, do not leave them alone. Stay alert about their safety and seek help immediately.

3) Seek professional support and counseling

Encourage them to contact professional counseling services:

• National Mental Health Helpline – 1926
• CCC Line – 1333 / 077 791 5293
• Sumithrayo Sri Lanka – 0707 308 308 / 0767 520 620

Under these services, individuals who are experiencing suicidal thoughts should be guided to receive psychiatric care as soon as possible.

If you are able to, be attentive to even small changes in your loved ones, try to understand them, and listen to them.

No matter how many problems someone is facing, they will feel less alone when they know someone cares.

With your small act of support, you may help save someone’s precious life.