Suicide Awareness & Prevention: How to Show Up When Someone Is Struggling

Sep 9

3 min read

Know the Warning Signs

Suicidal thoughts don't always look the way we expect. Someone can continue going to work, caring for their family, attending church, laughing with friends and fulfilling everyday responsibilities while privately carrying significant pain.

Some warning signs may include:

Talking about wanting to die or not wanting to be here
Expressing hopelessness or feeling like a burden to others
Withdrawing from family, friends or activities they once enjoyed
Significant changes in mood, behavior or sleep
Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Giving away meaningful belongings or saying goodbye
Taking unusual risks or behaving recklessly
Talking about feeling trapped or believing there is no way forward

A single sign doesn't always mean someone is considering suicide, but significant or concerning changes are worth paying attention to.

Don't Be Afraid to Ask

If you're worried about someone, reach out.

You don't need a perfectly worded speech. Start with a simple, genuine question:

“How are you really doing?”
“I've noticed you haven't seemed like yourself lately. Do you want to talk?”
“You've been carrying a lot lately. How can I support you?”
“Are you thinking about suicide?”

Asking directly about suicide does not put the idea into someone's head. Instead, it can open the door for an honest conversation and give someone permission to share what they have been carrying.

What to Do When Someone Says They're Struggling

If someone tells you they are thinking about suicide, take them seriously.

You can:

Listen without judgment. Give them space to talk without immediately trying to solve the problem.
Stay with them. If you're concerned about their immediate safety, don't leave them alone.
Help them connect with support. This could include a counselor, doctor, trusted family member, pastor or crisis professional.
Reduce access to immediate dangers when it is safe to do so.
Follow up. Continue checking in after the initial conversation. Your presence can matter more than you realize.
Get emergency help when needed. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

You aren't expected to be someone's counselor. You can simply be the person who helps them reach one.

Faith and Mental Health Belong in the Same Conversation

At Compass, our faith shapes the way we care for people who are hurting.

Scripture calls us to come alongside one another:

“Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2

Struggling with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts or another mental health concern is not evidence of weak faith.

Prayer, Scripture and Christian community can be meaningful sources of hope.

Professional mental health care can be part of that support, too.

Caring for someone may look like:

Praying with them
Sitting beside them and listening
Checking in when you know they're having a difficult season
Helping them make an appointment with a counselor
Driving them to an appointment
Staying with them while they call for crisis support

We were created for community, and there is no shame in needing others to help carry a burden.

If You're Struggling Right Now

You don't have to figure everything out today.

Start by telling one person you trust what you're experiencing. That might be a friend, family member, pastor, counselor, teacher, doctor or another safe person.

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis:

Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Chat online at 988lifeline.org.
Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department if you or someone else is in immediate danger.
Reach out to a mental health professional for ongoing support.

Compass Is Here to Walk Alongside You

Compass Counseling provides professional mental health support for children, adults, couples and families. Our counselors meet people in difficult seasons with compassion, professional care and a space to work through what they're experiencing.

Reaching out for help doesn't mean you need to know how to navigate everything ahead.

Sometimes, you only need enough courage for the next step.

“Two are better than one... If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9–10

At Compass, we feel called to help others navigate life. In the darkest seasons, that can begin by reminding someone they don't have to navigate them alone.