What is the essential action when a family member hints at suicide?

What is the essential action when a family member hints at suicide?

• A. Take any hint of suicide seriously
• B. Keep it secret to avoid panic
• C. Wait to see if it worsens
• D. Advise the person to ignore it

Answer: (A)

Taking any hint of suicide seriously guides a protective and immediate response. Hints can indicate real risk, and addressing them promptly creates an opportunity to assess safety, provide support, and connect the person with professional help before a crisis escalates. In practice, respond with care and without judgment, ask direct questions about whether they are considering harming themselves or have a plan, and stay with them while arranging appropriate support. If there is imminent danger, contact crisis services or emergency responders right away and involve trusted family or friends to help maintain safety. If you withhold, delay, tell them to ignore their feelings, or keep it secret, you miss a vital chance to intervene and may put them at greater risk.

Taking any hint of suicide seriously guides a protective and immediate response. Hints can indicate real risk, and addressing them promptly creates an opportunity to assess safety, provide support, and connect the person with professional help before a crisis escalates. In practice, respond with care and without judgment, ask direct questions about whether they are considering harming themselves or have a plan, and stay with them while arranging appropriate support. If there is imminent danger, contact crisis services or emergency responders right away and involve trusted family or friends to help maintain safety. If you withhold, delay, tell them to ignore their feelings, or keep it secret, you miss a vital chance to intervene and may put them at greater risk.