When someone may be at risk
Notice, ask, stay, connect
What you learn hereRecognize when someone’s distress may be rising toward crisis, ask directly whether they’re thinking about suicide, and connect them to help — while staying inside a non-clinical role: notice, ask, stay, connect.
Someone you love is fading. You fear that asking about suicide will plant the idea. Is that true?
You're not a clinician. Your job is to notice, ask, stay and connect; then hand off to real help.
Notice a change and a pattern: withdrawing, hopeless talk, saying goodbye. Not to diagnose — a reason to ask.
Ask plainly: 'are you thinking about suicide?' Asking does not raise the risk; the silence does.
Stay and connect them to help. Gently: 'can we put some distance between you and what could harm you now?'
You're not a clinician: notice, ask, stay, connect, hand off. If you're hurting, go straight to help.
This lesson is free, today and always. No account and no card.
SourcesDazzi 2014 (asking directly does not raise risk) · a change and a pattern · non-clinical role: notice–ask–stay–connect · Updated 2026-07-20