Suicide Prevention and Awareness: Frequently Asked Questions and Resources

There are many misconceptions and misunderstandings about suicide but this shouldn’t stop you from reaching out to someone at risk or in an emergency. Here are some easy resources and FAQs to help you manoeuvre conversations with people who may be struggling against intrusive thoughts and ideations of suicide.

Things you can do

1. Save emergency careline numbers on your phone. This makes for convenient access even if internet access is limited or in a crisis. Naluri’s free carelines are available 24/7 in multiple countries and various languages:
   
   Malaysia: +603-8408-1748
   Indonesia: +62-21-2789-9801
   Singapore: +65-3159-1324
   Philippines: +63-2-8548-8280
   Thailand: +66-2-026-8775

2. Take them to an emergency room even after the moment has passed. They may need constant observation and psychiatric evaluation to assess if they are still at risk of harming themselves. It is important to seek proper help from professionals who have been trained in suicide response and care.

3. Offer to sit in with them for counselling or therapy. It can be daunting to get professional help, lending your support in this way can help make the situation less scary. Naluri offers remote therapy with clinical psychologists and licensed counsellors. It is important to bear in mind that therapy isn’t a quick fix but will help in the long run.

How to ask for help

1. Talking to friends or family. Try saying something like: “I need to tell you something important, please do not overreact. My mental health is deteriorating and I want to end things. Can you help me get the help I need or take me to the emergency ward?”

2. Asking a therapist. If you are familiar with your therapist, you can say: “I have been having suicidal thoughts and it’s getting worse. How can I stop it?”

3. Calling a crisis line. All you need to do is tell them: “I’m calling because I am thinking about suicide. Please help. Can you stay on the line with me until this feeling passes?” Do not be nervous if you are calling an emergency careline. They are trained to assist in these situations.

How to help others

What is the best way to respond to someone who confides in you that they are suicidal?
Contrary to popular belief, asking if someone with suicidal thoughts has formulated a plan or ideation to carry out the act is not encouraging them. It is an opportunity to intervene, and a chance for them to express what is troubling them. Having someone acknowledge what they are feeling inside and saying it out loud can help them deviate and seek help.

Here are some questions you can ask someone who is feeling suicidal:

• Have you wished you were dead or wished you could go to sleep and not wake up?

• Have you actually had any thoughts about killing yourself?
  If they answer “yes” to this question, proceed with all the following questions. If the person answers “no”, go directly to the last question.
  

• Have you thought about how you might do this?
  

• Have you had any intention of acting on these thoughts of killing yourself, as opposed to you have the thoughts but you definitely would not act on them?
  

• Have you started to work out or worked out the details of how to kill yourself? Do you intend to carry out this plan?

• Always ask this question: In the past three months, have you done anything, started to do anything, or prepared to do anything to end your life?