Recognizing that help is needed and already having strong coping skills are important, as is a sense of purpose. For some, having religious or ethical beliefs that prohibit suicide reduce the risk. Planning for the future and seeing hope in the future are also important.

And when there's the potentiality suicide, a built-in rescue plan set up in advance can provide the needed resources to head it off .

In addition to the above, an important ally for youth is the presence of a Gay-Straight Alliance [GLSEN] within the school.

How to deal with a Potential Suicide
LISTEN...let the person talk about it. We have the 'magic' to transform and heal ' to neutralize emotional pain. Consider what you would want if you were overwhelmed and in crisis: someone to listen to you; someone who really understands your feelings; someone who will not judge you or tell you what to do. These are the things you can provide. By providing these important things, in a matter of 20 minutes they can feel '200%' better.

If you are concerned about the seriousness of the person you're listening to, consider asking these Specific Suicide Risk Assessment Questions

1. Are you thinking about suicide right now?
   Asking about the present is important, but not the end of the assessment. Sometimes, the person will deny thinking about suicide now, because it is too difficult to talk about, or they are ashamed of it.

2. Have you been thinking about suicide at all in the last few months?
   Asking about the recent past is important, because it may be easier for the person to admit to intent in the past.

3. Have you ever attempted suicide? And if so how, and what was your intent?
   Asking about attempts is important because we know that previous suicide attempts are the single most important risk factor for future suicide completion. And asking about how is important because we want to know if it was a lethal attempt ' that the person was lucky to be discovered and saved ' or if it was a very non-lethal attempt ' this also may predict the method of future attempts. You also want to ask about intent because if the person wanted to die, but was saved this means the person is more at risk now than if the person wanted to affect change in another person.
4. Do you have a plan?
5. Do you have the means?
6. Have you set a time?

At this point, the suicidal person needs you to be accepting and non-judgmental. He or she should be taken seriously. You should be confident and positive in your comments. As soon as possible, you should begin to mobilize resources and seek professional help

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