If the person is not at immediate risk yet is still communicating about self-harm or suicide, and you choose to respond, there are several things you could do.

Decide if you want to respond

Respond only if you feel able and willing to do so. There are different levels of responding. For example, you can react, send an emoji, send a one-off comment with links to helplines and well wishes, or you could engage in a conversation. Only engage in a conversation if you feel comfortable. If you do not respond directly to the person, there are other things you could do.

Here are some questions that you may ask yourself to help you decide what to do:

• How am I feeling?
• Who is the other person I am talking to and what is my relationship with them?
• Is this an emergency and do they need urgent help?
• Do I need to respond?
• Has anyone else responded?
• What support do they need?
• Do I feel able and willing to support someone?
• What support can I provide?
• How much time do I have?
• What time of the day is it?
• What platform am I on?
• Where do I want to respond?
• Do I know how to start and end the conversation?
• If I choose not to respond, is there something else I could do?
• Do I know where to refer the person for more support?
• How can I look after myself?
• Who can support me?
• Am I prepared for the possible outcomes? They may not respond positively or want to accept help.

Know and communicate your boundaries and limitations

Responding to someone who is self-harming or suicidal can be hard, so if you choose to respond, set boundaries for yourself regarding how much time you have available and the type of support you can and cannot offer.

It is okay to end the conversation at any time and suggest that the person seek professional help. This is especially important if the level of risk increases, and the person seems more distressed.

If you do choose to respond, remember that your role is not to try to provide therapeutic support.

Report

Report the content to the relevant social media platform. Do not assume someone else has done this. Even if you do choose to respond, you can still report the content.

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