*Take suicide threats seriously, be respectful, direct, open and honest in communications

*Listen, allow the individual to express their feelings and express your concerns in a non-judgmental way

*Say things like "I'm here for you," "Let's talk," "I'm here to help"

*Ask, "Are you having suicidal thoughts?"  A detailed plan indicates greater risk

*Try to focus the problem and try to help increase the individual's perception of alternatives to suicide

*Take action sooner than later

*Get them connected with professional help

*Dispose of pills, drugs, guns, or other weapons

*Do not worry about being disloyal to the individual; contact a reliable family member or close friend of the person

*Do not leave the person alone if you feel the risk to their safety is immediate

*Do not treat the threat lightly even if the person begins to joke about it

*Do not act shocked or condemn.  There may not be another cry for help.

*Don't lecture. Do not point out to them how much better off they are than others.  This increases feelings of guilt and worthlessness.

*Do not swear yourself to secrecy

*Do not offer simple solutions

*Do not suggest drugs or alcohol as a solution

*Do not judge the person

*Avoid arguments

*Do not try and counsel the person yourself!  GET PROFESSIONAL HELP!