Question
If you suspect that friend or family member may be thinking about suicide, what is the BEST thing you can do?
Tell a good joke to lighten the mood and get the person to laugh.
Ask directly if he or she is intending to commit suicide.
Avoid talking about suicide so as not to give the person the suggestion.
Tell the person that suicide is a sin.
Tell a good joke to lighten the mood and get the person to laugh.
Ask directly if he or she is intending to commit suicide.
Avoid talking about suicide so as not to give the person the suggestion.
Tell the person that suicide is a sin.
Answers
Answered by
GPT-5 mini
Ask directly if he or she is intending to commit suicide.
Rationale: Asking directly does not “put the idea in someone’s head” and is the best way to open a conversation, assess risk, and get the person the help they need. Don’t joke, avoid moralizing or ignoring the topic. Instead listen nonjudgmentally, ask about a plan/means, remove access to lethal means if possible, and get professional help or call emergency services or a suicide hotline if there is imminent danger.
Rationale: Asking directly does not “put the idea in someone’s head” and is the best way to open a conversation, assess risk, and get the person the help they need. Don’t joke, avoid moralizing or ignoring the topic. Instead listen nonjudgmentally, ask about a plan/means, remove access to lethal means if possible, and get professional help or call emergency services or a suicide hotline if there is imminent danger.
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