ask questions

Less Direct Approach:

• "Have you been unhappy lately?"
• "Have you been very unhappy lately?"
• "Have you been so very unhappy lately that you’ve been thinking about ending your life?"
• "Do you ever wish you could go to sleep and never wake up?"

Direct Approach:

• "You know, when people are as upset as you seem to be, they sometimes wish they were dead. I’m wondering if you’re feeling that way, too?"
• "You look pretty miserable. I wonder if you’re thinking about suicide?"
• "Are you thinking about killing yourself?"