Railroad Suicide Prevention - Engage

Railroad Suicide Prevention Project

Indirect approach:

  • "Have you been feeling unhappy or down?"
     
  • "I’m worried about you. I’m wondering if we can talk about what’s troubling you."
     
  • "Have you been so unhappy that you have been thinking of ending your life?"
     
  • "Do you ever wish you could go to sleep and never wake up?"

 

Direct approach:

  • "You know when people are feeling down and unhappy, they sometimes wish they were dead. I’m wondering if you're feeling that way too."
     
  • "Are you thinking of killing yourself?"
     
  • "You seem really (down/sad/angry/unhappy). I’m worried that you might be thinking of hurting yourself or suicide."
     
  • "Can we talk about this?"

 

Be sensitive, but ask direct questions such as:

  • "How are you coping with what's been happening in your life?"
     
  • "Do you ever feel like just giving up?"
     
  • "Are you thinking about dying?"
     
  • "Are you thinking about hurting yourself?"
     
  • "Are you thinking about suicide?"
     
  • "Have you ever thought about suicide or tried to harm yourself before?"
     
  • "Have you thought about how or when you'd do it?"
     
  • "Do you have access to weapons or things that can be used as weapons to harm yourself?"

 

Continue to watch for any warning signs of possible suicidal risk. Trust your instincts and follow through on any concerns or suspicions you have.