Helping a friend
Help a friend without carrying it alone
Listen, take danger seriously, and connect your friend with support. Friendship does not require you to become their only lifeline.
Reviewed July 15, 2026Do now
Take these three steps.
- Listen without interrogating, promising secrecy, or immediately telling them what to do.
- Ask directly whether anyone is in immediate danger or whether they are thinking about suicide.
- Bring in a safe adult or crisis service when the situation is too large or dangerous for friends to manage alone.
“I care about you, and I'm glad you told me. I can't keep this only between us if someone may be in danger. Let's choose who we can contact together.”
If that is not possible
Keep another route open.
If your friend refuses help but you believe danger is serious, tell a trusted adult anyway. They may be angry, but safety matters more than keeping the secret.
Bring in more help
Do not carry this part alone.
Call 911 for immediate danger. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 about your own concern for someone else.
See immediate-help options →Sources
Where this guidance comes from.
- 988 Lifeline988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline ↗
Free U.S. call, text, and chat support, available 24/7/365.
- Centers for Disease Control and PreventionMental Health and Well-Being ↗
Youth mental-health information and the protective role of strong connections.
This is general educational guidance. Rules for minors, confidentiality, healthcare, school obligations, and reporting vary by location and situation.
Make it yours